Understand what a healthy hip looks like, how arthritis affects the joint, and what treatment options are available.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thighbone (femur) to the pelvis. In a healthy hip, the surfaces of the ball and socket are covered with smooth cartilage, allowing the joint to move comfortably with minimal friction.
Hip osteoarthritis develops when this cartilage gradually wears away. As the protective cartilage deteriorates, the space between the bones narrows, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. In advanced cases, the cartilage may wear away completely, resulting in bone-on-bone contact.
Hip arthritis can significantly affect everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, putting on shoes, and getting in and out of a car.
A healthy hip X-ray typically demonstrates:
An X-ray of an arthritic hip may demonstrate:
The severity of arthritis on an X-ray does not always correlate directly with the amount of pain a patient experiences.
Common symptoms include groin pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, and reduced range of motion. Pain may also be felt in the thigh, buttock, or knee.
Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity. As arthritis progresses, patients may experience pain at rest or difficulty sleeping.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, functional limitations, imaging findings, and individual patient goals.
Nonsurgical treatments may include activity modification, low-impact exercise, physical therapy, weight management when appropriate, anti-inflammatory medications, and selected injections.
When these treatments no longer provide adequate relief, total hip replacement may be considered.
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components.
The procedure involves replacing the damaged socket with an acetabular component and the femoral head with an artificial ball attached to a stem positioned within the femur.
Modern hip replacement implants may incorporate metal, ceramic, and highly durable polyethylene components.
The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.
