What is cartilage?

It is the covering of the end of the bones in the joint, it cushions and protects the bone while providing a smooth gliding surface.

What does arthritis of the hip look like?

The Oxford dictionary defines arthritis as "inflammation of the joint." In simple terms it is the result of wearing away of the cartilage surface. The result is a rough surface restricting motion.

Xrays of the hip

What are the symptoms of hip arthritis?

* Pain in the groin or center of the buttock

may radiate down the front of thigh to the knee or over the lateral hip

* Stiffness, such as difficulty putting on shoes or socks

* Hip pain when getting in/out of car, on/off a chair, golfing, walking

* Decreased activity level

* Dimished quality of life!

What are the causes of hip arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, results from wearing away of the caritilage surface. It is similar to wearing away the tread on a tire.

Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammatory reaction within the joint that over time deterioates the cartilage.

Avascular necrosis is a condition where the bone below the joint surface dies and allows the overlying cartilage to collapse.

Trauma or an injury to the hip an cause arthritis, such as a hip fracture or pelvic fracture.