Hip Osteoarthritis !
Hip osteoarthritis is the gradual wear of the cartilage in the hip joint; it causes groin or hip pain and stiffness that limit movement.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
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In histology
- Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage
- Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage
In embryology
In the clinical exam
- Trendelenburg sign and gait
- FABER (Patrick) and FADIR tests
- Inspection of gait and posture (orthopedic)
Why it happens
What it is
Gradual wear of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain and reduced motion.
Causes
- Age-related cartilage loss
- Prior injury or dysplasia
- Repetitive load
Symptoms and signs
- Groin or thigh pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness after rest
- Reduced internal rotation
- Difficulty with stairs or putting on shoes
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- History and limited range of motion
- Imaging
- X-ray shows joint-space narrowing and osteophytes; MRI if needed for soft tissue
Treatment
- Conservative
- Physical therapy, activity changes, weight management, and medicines for pain.
- Surgical
- Total hip replacement for advanced disease that does not respond to other measures.
Drugs for this condition
Related conditions
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Hip dislocation
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Meralgia paresthetica
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Sacroiliac joint pain
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Primary Osteoarthritis (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
