Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a complex process of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.The disease has a fairly broad clinical picture and is characteristic mainly of people over 40 years of age, however, it can also be diagnosed at an earlier age, particularly in children and adolescents.
Often, the precursor to the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint is various types of trauma and inflammation, the treatment of which was absent or insufficient.
There are several degrees of development of degenerative-dystrophic processes, each of which requires a specific direction of complex therapeutic treatment methods.
What is coxarthrosis of the hip joint?
Coxarthrosis or osteoarthrosis/deforming osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a complex pathological disease of the largest joint in the human body, accompanied by progressive destruction of osteochondral tissue.The development process is gradual.
Late diagnosis, as well as the lack of adequate treatment, causes deformation of adjacent bone surfaces and the appearance of bone growths on them, which limits mobility and interferes with normal human life.
Statistics show that the disease of this type occurs in 12% of cases of diagnosed pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Causes of coxarthrosis
Today it is customary to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:
- primary, the occurrence of which is inexplicable;
- secondary, developing against the background of other existing diseases.
With primary coxarthrosis, concomitant pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are often observed, including osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine.
Among the most likely reasons are the following:
- pathologies of the development of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia);
- aseptic necrosis of joint tissues;
- infectious injury;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- injuries.
Risk factors
Among the factors that increase the risk of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint, the following are usually highlighted:
- systematic increased loads;
- poor circulation within the joint tissues;
- hormonal changes;
- metabolic disorders;
- natural aging;
- insufficiently active lifestyle.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that coxarthrosis itself cannot be inherited;Consequently, people with such a diagnosis do not have a genetic predisposition;However, the manifestation of a hereditary factor can be observed as other features of the body's functioning that provoke the development of pathology.Features of this type include metabolic disorders, a special structure of the musculoskeletal system and weakness of joint tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic disease, like any other pathology, has degrees of development.Coxarthrosis has only three of them, each of which is characterized by the presence of certain changes.
Coxarthrosis 1st degree
With coxarthrosis of the first degree, a relatively moderate reduction in the joint space is observed, accompanied by a growth of bone tissue on the entire surface of the joint.
There are no pathological changes on the surfaces of the femur.
Coxarthrosis 2nd degree
With coxarthrosis of the second degree, the gap between the articular bones is significantly reduced, which is more than 50% less than the generally accepted indicator.Pathological processes cause displacement of the femur, which is accompanied by deformation of its head, which significantly increases in size and becomes covered with numerous irregularities along the contour.
At this stage of development, bone growths appear on all surfaces of the acetabulum, not limited to the cartilage.
Coxarthrosis grade 3
Coxarthrosis of the third degree is characterized by a strong deviation of functional indicators, as well as a sharp reduction in the space between the bones of the joint.In addition, there is a pronounced expansion of the femoral head, as well as numerous bone growths.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The key and constant symptom of the disease is pain of varying intensity.The detailed symptomatic picture is determined by the intensity of the development of pathological processes.
First degree coxarthrosis implies the presence of symptoms such as:
- consistently occurring pain caused by physical activity of varying intensity;
- Localization of unpleasant and painful sensations in the hip/knee area.
Second degree coxarthrosis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- moderate intensity of pain, which often manifests itself at rest;
- extension of pain to the hip, groin area;
- the appearance of lameness after performing various types of exercise;
- reduction in the range of available movements (limitation of the ability to abduct the limb to one side).
With coxarthrosis of the third degree, the following symptoms are observed:
- constant, unbearable pain at any time of the day;
- the need to use a cane to get around;
- limitation of motor function, decrease in muscle volume and shortening of the length of the lower limb;
- torso inclination.
Diagnosis of the disease.
The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, as well as the results of a visual examination and the collected medical history.
Diagnostic procedures to identify a disease such as coxarthrosis are aimed at identifying clinical signs and studying the data of additional studies, the key among which is x-ray.
X-ray for coxarthrosis allows you to establish the neglect of pathological processes and determine the cause of their appearance.In particular, based on the results of an X-ray examination, the treating doctor can determine the injuries sustained.
Among other instrumental diagnostic methods, the following are used:
- CT (computed tomography) - allows you to create a detailed image of the pathology;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): allows the extent of damage to soft tissues to be assessed.
It is also worth noting the existence of a differential diagnosis, which implies the exclusion of pathological processes such as gonarthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.
Laboratory tests are also an integral part of complex diagnostics, including:
- a general blood and urine analysis to determine the patient's health status;
- biochemical blood test to determine pathological conditions.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
An orthopedic surgeon makes a diagnosis and determines a treatment plan.Treatment tactics are formed based on data such as:
- degree of expression;
- form of the disease;
- reason for development;
- presence of symptoms.
Today, there are several effective directions in the treatment of coxarthrosis.Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment of a patient involves the appointment of such procedures as:
- magnetic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- UHF therapy;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- Shock wave therapy.
All physiotherapy techniques used help to improve blood circulation, initiate metabolic processes and, of course, accelerate tissue regeneration.
Pharmacological treatment of coxarthrosis.
Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint with the help of medications involves the use of such means as:
- muscle relaxants;
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilators;
- pain relievers;
- corticosteroids;
- chondroprotectors.
A particularly important group of drugs in the treatment of pathology are chondroprotectors that promote tissue restoration.
Therapeutic exercise (physiotherapy)
Therapeutic physical education classes are one of the most effective methods of complex treatment.
A specialist doctor develops a series of exercises based on the results of the diagnosis and the patient's existing level of physical fitness.
Massage
Therapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis involves the use of various types of massage:
- classic;
- spot;
- empty.
In the absence of contraindications, after a few sessions the patient will experience better blood circulation in the joint area and the supply of nutrients necessary for their tissues will be replenished.
Attending massage sessions helps strengthen and restore the soft tissues of the joint.
Surgical intervention for coxarthrosis.
The lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment forces us to resort to radical methods of treating the pathology.
The constant progression of pathological processes is a direct indication for surgical intervention.Today two types of surgery are performed:
- arthroplasty - removal of the femoral head from the acetabulum with subsequent correction of changes in the joint tissue;
- endoprosthesis: installation of an implant.
The operation is performed when the patient's pathological condition is grade 3, which implies the impossibility of eliminating destructive changes in the joint tissues.
Prognosis and possible complications.
Only stage 1 degenerative-dystrophic disease is susceptible to successful conservative treatment.In other cases, one cannot speak of complete restoration of the functional activity of the hip joint, excluding cases of installation of an endoprosthesis.
In the absence of treatment, at the final stage of the development of pathological processes, the patient develops limited mobility of the flexion joint, which makes movement impossible due to a constantly bent limb.
After complete fusion, the patient cannot independently solve basic everyday problems and is assigned the status of a disabled person.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures can be used to prevent the occurrence of pathological processes, as well as during remission, preventing the progression of the disease.
Prevention of coxarthrosis involves:
- maintain a balanced diet;
- systematic sports;
- maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes giving up bad habits;
- body weight control;
- systematic preventive examination and timely treatment of various diseases.
Remember that your health is only in your hands.Keep it in optimal condition and enjoy a full life!