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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# 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

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Femoral head cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-femoral-head/)
- [Acetabular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-acetabulum/)
- [Femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/)
- [Hip bone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hip-bone/)
- [Acetabular labrum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/acetabular-labrum/)
- [Hip capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-hip-joint/)

## In histology

- [Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## In embryology

- [Developmental dysplasia of the hip](https://durgical.com/en/embryology/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Trendelenburg sign and gait](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/trendelenburg-sign-and-gait/)
- [FABER (Patrick) and FADIR tests](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/faber-and-fadir-tests/)
- [Inspection of gait and posture (orthopedic)](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/inspection-of-gait-and-posture/)

## Why it happens

- [How organs age: normal changes vs disease](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/how-organs-age-normal-changes-vs-disease/)
- [Glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/glycosaminoglycans/)

## 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

- [Celecoxib](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/celecoxib/)

## Related conditions

- [Developmental dysplasia of the hip](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/)
- [Slipped capital femoral epiphysis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/slipped-capital-femoral-epiphysis/)
- [Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/legg-calve-perthes-disease/)
- [Hip dislocation](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hip-dislocation/)
- [Avascular necrosis of the femoral head](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/avascular-necrosis-of-the-femoral-head/)
- [Meralgia paresthetica](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/)
- [Lumbar spinal stenosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/)
- [Sacroiliac joint pain](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-pain/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Primary Osteoarthritis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557808/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hip-osteoarthritis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hip-osteoarthritis/