Coxarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the hip. In other words, it designates chronic damage to the hip joint with destruction of the cartilage. It can affect only one hip or both. This is called bilateral coxarthrosis. The management consists of relieving the pain.

Definition of coxarthrosis

Coxarthrosis is a type of osteoarthritis, that is, a chronic joint pathology. This disease is characterized by a degradation of the articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease.

Coxarthrosis specifically refers to osteoarthritis of the hip. It affects the hip joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the iliac bone or hip bone (pelvic bone). We can speak of bilateral coxarthrosis when it manifests itself in both hips. 

Types of osteoarthritis

It is common to distinguish two types of coxarthrosis:

• primary hip osteoarthritis when no specific cause is identified;
• secondary hip osteoarthritis which is the consequence of a malformation, trauma, ligament damage or disease.

Causes of coxarthrosis

As mentioned previously, primary hip osteoarthritis does not present a specific cause. The process of development of this type of osteoarthritis is not yet understood. Certain predisposing factors could be involved. To learn more, go to the Risk factors section.

Secondary hip osteoarthritis can be the result of:

• a malformation such as congenital dislocation, dysplasia or dystrophy of the hip;
• traumastitis such as an acquired dislocation of the hip or a bill of the neck of the femur;
• ligament damage in the hip joint;
• a disease which may be of metabolic, inflammatory or infectious origin.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis

The diagnosis of coxarthrosis is generally based on:

• a clinical examination supported by a questioning in order to identify the characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis;
• medical imaging tests to assess the condition of the joint and identify the possible cause (s).

People affected by coxarthrosis

Osteoarthritis is a more common pathology with age. Experts estimate that it concerns 3% of the population before 45 years old, 65% after 65 years and 80% after 80 years. Osteoarthritis can occur at different levels of the body. Osteoarthritis of the hip, coxarthrosis, would represent 10% of cases.

While primary hip osteoarthritis generally appears after 60 years of age, so-called secondary osteoarthritis can appear much earlier. Secondary hip osteoarthritis can be diagnosed before the age of 30.

Risk factors for coxarthrosis

Several factors seem to favor the development of hip osteoarthritis:

• age;
• metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes;
• overloads in the joints that can be caused by overweight or frequent heavy lifting;
• certain joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis or even chondrocalcinosis;
• heredity with the presence of a family history of osteoarthritis.

• Hip pain: The typical sign of coxarthrosis is pain in the hip. It is located at the fold of the groin. It radiates forwards and backwards at the level of the thigh and buttock. It can throw itself towards the knee. The pain of coxarthrosis is said to be mechanical. It occurs or is accentuated during exercise, and attenuates or disappears at rest. 
• Difficulty walking: Due to pain in the hip, difficulty moving can occur. In particular, going up or down stairs can be particularly painful. The course of coxarthrosis can be marked by the appearance of lameness. 
• Stiffness in the joint: The pain of coxarthrosis is accompanied by stiffness in the joint. This is often more marked in the morning when you wake up.

Coxarthrosis is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management. This is based on regular medical monitoring and can be supported by:

• wearing an orthosis, a device that will support joint function;
• the use of a cane if necessary;
• nutritional and dietary support in the event of overweight;
• medication with analgesics to relieve pain;
• corticosteroid injections if necessary;
• surgery in some cases, with the performance of a conservative surgical operation to correct mechanical joint defects or the placement of a hip prosthesis.

The prevention of coxarthrosis consists in limiting the risk factors as much as possible. It is therefore advisable to:

• maintain a healthy and balanced diet;
• practice regular physical activity, which includes both sports and walking;
• limit the pressure exerted on the joints by improving the ergonomics of the workstation, for example.