Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the age-related degenerative diseases that occur naturally, but it can also result from other abnormalities. Most patients usually present with abnormal hip joint symptoms first or have abnormal bone development. Certain underlying diseases and being overweight significantly affect the degeneration of the hip bone.
“Hip Osteoarthritis” The more you use it, the faster it deteriorates, and it can occur in both hips simultaneously?
The term “joint…” is important, especially the hip joint, which is large and plays a crucial role in bearing body weight. The hip joint is connected by two bones: the femoral head and the acetabulum, the same on both sides.
Osteoarthritis of the hip can occur in both hips simultaneously but usually at different stages. Hip osteoarthritis is divided into two types:
- Primary Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Age-related Hip Osteoarthritis is found in the elderly group, with symptoms gradually accumulating repeatedly. It is common in people who are overweight or due to cumulative use from young adulthood until middle age when symptoms begin to appear. It is less common in the Thai population compared to Western populations.
- Secondary Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Hip Osteoarthritis from Other Causes such as developmental hip dysplasia (DDH), caused by abnormal bone development accumulating over time, leading to abnormal bone shape. Chronic inflammatory joint diseases of the hip are the most common reasons patients seek treatment, as well as injuries from activities or accidents.
4 Key Groups… Usually Treated with Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Total Hip Replacement surgery is a technique that treats the hip joint by replacing the original hip joint with an artificial one. This technique effectively relieves pain when conservative treatments fail and is suitable for the following four key groups:
- Those with direct hip abnormalities, such as abnormal bone development (DDH) and osteonecrosis of the hip (ONFH or Avascular Necrosis: AVN), found in about 50-80% of cases, causing gradual bone death due to cartilage degeneration, ultimately affecting the patient’s mobility.
- Patients with certain chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and autoimmune diseases (SLE), who have usually undergone conservative treatment (oral medication). However, when medication is stopped, the original pain returns, eventually leading to the need for hip replacement surgery.
- Hip fractures in the elderly. For elderly patients, doctors must assess the patient’s overall health and lifestyle before deciding. If the patient is still mobile or walks regularly, doctors usually treat with total hip replacement. However, for very elderly patients with limited standing or walking ability, partial hip replacement (not replacing the acetabulum) may be used.
- Patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip. Treatment usually starts with conservative management (medication). If the patient does not respond to treatment (failed conservative treatment), surgery is ultimately recommended.
Therefore, when patients know they have underlying diseases linked to hip osteoarthritis, self-care and gentle use of the hip joint, along with regular medical treatment for underlying diseases, can reduce the risk of the disease. When conservative treatment fails, consulting an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate the indication for appropriate total hip replacement surgery will help patients regain good hip joint function.
Surgery Reduces Risk, Prevents Further Degeneration!
Current hip joint surgery has been developed and designed with greater consideration for patients. It effectively reduces damage to surrounding tissues, controls blood loss, and minimizes surgical pain, significantly impacting patient recovery.
This includes One Day Surgery, which can treat hip osteoarthritis with a hospital stay of no more than 24 hours after surgery, allowing patients to continue recovery at home. This surgery requires specialists and a multidisciplinary team to assess readiness, select the appropriate method, and plan the best treatment for each patient.
