Hip resurfacing entails removing damaged cartilage and bone and replacing them with a metal shell. While it does carry some risk of complications, the expected life span following the procedure is 15–20 years. Research indicates that this procedure is highly effective in reducing pain and restoring function. Total hip replacementĪn arthroplasty - or total hip replacement - involves removing the damaged ball-and-socket joint and replacing it with a plastic, metal, or ceramic joint. Once hip arthritis becomes severe, the best treatment options are surgical procedures. Treatment for severe arthritis of the hip It provides a view of the acetabulum, which is the socket of the hip bone where the head of the femur fits. The frog-leg lateral view offers a better view of the hip joint and neck of the thigh bone.Ī cross-table lateral X-ray may also be beneficial. The anterior-posterior view shows the hip joint and the upper part of the thigh bone. The types of X-rays healthcare professionals may use to diagnose hip arthritis are an anterior-posterior view and a frog-leg lateral view. can include larger spurs and advanced deformity of the head of the thigh bone and socket of the hip bone.

also presents features of the earlier grades.

deformity of the head of the thigh bone and socket of the hip bone.

marked joint space narrowing, small spurs, and some hardening of the bone below the cartilage.

hardening of the bone below the cartilage.

definite joint space narrowing and spur formation.

subtle spur formation around the joint head.

certain types of fractures, or breaks in the bone.

avascular necrosis, which occurs when the blood supply to the hip is interrupted and bone tissue dies.

a labral tear, which occurs when the cartilage around the hip tears.

They can also detect other conditions around the hip, including: MRI scans can be valuable in determining whether someone has early stage osteoarthritis. Because MRI scans can show irregularities in soft tissue in addition to those in the bones, they can help identify secondary causes. However, doctors may sometimes use CT scans for surgical planning. CT and MRIĬT and MRI scans are usually not necessary to diagnose hip osteoarthritis. Imaging can also show the severity of degeneration and help doctors monitor the progression of the disease. These scans can show:ĭoctors may order imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays can provide detailed views of dense structures such as bone. Imaging tests such as the following can help doctors assess the bone and soft tissues of the hip: Why do doctors order imaging tests for this condition? By the time the condition reaches a severe stage, it can be debilitating.

flexion contracture, or the inability of a flexed joint to fully straightenĪs the condition advances, the symptoms increase in intensity.

The most frequent symptom of osteoarthritis is pain, but people may also experience: These are growths that form in joints over time.

In more serious cases, the joint space can disappear completely, allowing the bones to rub against each other. The cartilage gradually wears away, and the protective joint space decreases in size. Osteoarthritis typically results from wear and tear that comes with aging. Also, the joint has a lining, which produces fluid that lubricates the cartilage.ĭifferent types of arthritis can affect the hip, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. In a healthy hip, cartilage covers the bone surfaces, cushioning and protecting them. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint - the ball of the thigh bone fits into the socket of the hip bone. Share on Pinterest xiaoke chen/Getty Images

Normal hip xray