Coxarthrosis is a medical term used to describe a degenerative joint disease that affects the hip joint. It is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip joint. Coxarthrosis is more commonly known as hip osteoarthritis.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur (thigh bone) meets the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. In coxarthrosis, the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces gradually wears away, resulting in friction and bone-on-bone contact. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of bony outgrowths known as osteophytes. Coxarthrosis is most often caused by age-related wear and tear, but it can also occur due to factors such as hip injuries, genetic predisposition, obesity, and abnormal joint structures.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis may include pain in the groin or buttocks that worsens with activity, stiffness in the hip joint, reduced range of motion, and difficulty walking. As the condition progresses, the pain may become constant and affect daily activities. Diagnosis is typically made by a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Treatment options for coxarthrosis aim to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow down the progression of the disease. They may include pain management through nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, weight management, assistive devices such as canes or crutches, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as hip joint replacement.
