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The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 88-B, Issue 6 | Pages 727 - 729
1 Jun 2006
Kim WY Hutchinson CE Andrew JG Allen PD

Excessive acetabular cover secondary to a retroverted acetabulum causes pincer impingement, which may cause early osteoarthritis of the hip. Our aim was to determine if there was a relationship between acetabular version and osteoarthritis of the hip. Using image processing and analysis software we studied 117 CT images of the hip in patients aged less than 65 years who had undergone a CT virtual colonoscopy. The mean CT joint space of the 18 hips with acetabular retroversion was narrower compared with the 99 hips with normal acetabular alignment (p < 0.0001). A correlation of r = 0.46 (p < 0.01) was found between right hip acetabular version and the mean right hip joint space and of r = 0.31 (p = 0.02) between left hip acetabular version and the mean left hip joint space. Acetabular retroversion is associated with radiological evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip. An understanding of the mechanical basis of osteoarthritis of the hip allows early treatment of the underlying structural abnormality and prevents progression of the degenerative condition


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 1, Issue 1 | Pages 8 - 12
1 Jan 2012
Shigemura T Kishida S Eguchi Y Ohtori S Nakamura J Kojima M Masuda Y Takahashi K

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess N-acetyl aspartate changes in the thalamus in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Methods. Nine patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (symptomatic group, nine women; mean age 61.4 years (48 to 78)) and nine healthy volunteers (control group, six men, three women; mean age 30.0 years (26 to 38)) underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess the changes of N-acetyl aspartate in the thalamus. . Results. The ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip was significantly lower than the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus in the control group (1.611 (1.194 to 1.882) vs 1.355 (1.043 to 1.502), p < 0.001). And, a strong negative correlation was detected between the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and pain duration (r = -0.83, p = 0.018). Conclusions. We evaluated the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We concluded that the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip were significantly lower than those in the thalamus of the control group, and that pain duration was strongly related to the decrease of the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 37-B, Issue 1 | Pages 8 - 47
1 Feb 1955
Lloyd-Roberts GC

1. The capsular changes in osteoarthritis of the hip and their pathogenesis are described, and it is concluded that symptoms are due mainly to this abnormality. 2. The clinical significance and pathogenesis of subchondral sclerosis, cysts, osteophytes, secondary subluxation and new bone formation on the lower border of the femoral neck are discussed. 3. These bony features which can be seen in the radiograph may, under certain circumstances, be correlated with the symptoms. 4. The influence of joint debris and capsular fibrosis upon the symptoms arising in other osteoarthritic joints is considered. 5. The mechanism by which osteoarthritis develops in hip joints with an anatomical abnormality is discussed in relation to the normal functional anatomy of the hip. 6. The evolution of osteoarthritis in dysplasia of the hip is considered with special reference to its diagnosis, prognosis and early treatment. 7. The supposition that osteoarthritis is commonly due to progressive ischaemia in the femoral head has been investigated and is rejected. 8. The cause of idiopathic osteoarthritis remains obscure but the evidence suggests that constitutional rather than local conditions in the joint account for many of these cases


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 58-B, Issue 2 | Pages 176 - 183
1 May 1976
Solomon L

The division of osteoarthritis into primary and secondary varieties implies that these are aetiologically distinct entities, the former being due to some intrinsic defect of cartilage and the latter resulting from previous articular damage. This traditional concept is questioned and the hypothesis is advanced that osteoarthritis is always secondary to some underlying abnormality of the joint. A detailed clinical, radiographic and morbid anatomical study of 327 cases of osteoarthritis of the hip is presented. In all but twenty-seven some predisposing abnormality of the joint was diagnosed: 107 (33%) were associated with major pathology such as Perthes' disease or epiphysiolysis; minor acetabular dysplasia was present in sixty-seven (20%), with a male: female ratio of 1:10; minimal femoral head tilt was demonstrated in fifty-nine (18%), the male: female ratio being 14:1; and in forty-three (13%) there were features suggesting an underlying inflammatory arthritis. On the basis of this study a new classification is proposed and osteoarthritis of the hip is divided into three pathogenetic groups: 1) failure of essentially normal cartilage subjected to abnormal or incongruous loading for long periods; 2) damaged or defective cartilage failing under normal conditions of loading; 3) break-up of articular cartilage due to defective subchondral bone


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 86-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 405 - 406
1 Apr 2004
Fujita Y Yanagimoto S Sakamaki T
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Objective: We had performed bipolar hemi-arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip, with the technique of ace-tabular reaming until 1991. We studied the long-term results of this procedure radiographically. Materials and methods: 62 patients (70 hips) were followed up for at least eight years after bipolar hemi-arthroplasty without cement. The diagnosis of all patients was osteoarthritis of the hip, which mainly came from dysplasia of the hip. The patients consisted of 13 men and 49 women. The average age at the operation was 43 years old (36–74 years old). The average duration of follow-up was 11 years (8–14 years). Smooth-surface press-fit type stem (Omnifit, Osteonics) was implanted for all cases. Focal osteolysis around component, the migration of the outer head and the subsidence of stem, were evaluated radiographically. By reviewing serial A-P radiographs, the first recognition of osteolysis and the extension of the lesion were researched. Results: The mean migration of the outer head was 3.0mm medially and 9.1mm superiorly. The mean subsidence of stem was 7.2mm at final follow-up. The ace-tabular focal osteolysis was identified in 31 hips (44 %) and was first recognized at average 3.1years(1–9years) postoperatively. The femoral focal osteolysis was identified in 33 hips (47%) and was first recognized at average 2.3 years (1–9years) postoperatively. After the first recognition of osteolysis, the lesion was progressively spreading, especially on femoral side. Conclusion: From these results, bipolar hemi-arthroplasty with the technique of acetabular reaming should not be indicated for osteoarthritis of the hip. This procedure causes osteolysis, which is progressive, and the migration of the outer head so often that it is difficult to preserve acetabular bone stock


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 76 - 76
1 Mar 2006
Thomas S Schmid C Horn S Glatzmaier U Ploetz W
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Introduction: Ruptures of the glutaeus minimus tendon at the greater trochanter may be a reason for persisting pain after total hip replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the rupture of the glutaeus minimus tendon at the greater trochanter in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Patients and Methods: From May until August 2004, total hip joints were implanted in 67 conscutive patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint. 54 of the operations were done with a standard Watson-Jones approach. 13 patients were operated with a minimal invasive approach without visualisation of the gluteaus minimus tendon. For the minimal invasive approach only patients with a normal appearance ot the X-ray of the greater trochanter were selected. The integrity of the insertion of the glutaeus minimus tendon was recorded during the operation with the Watson-Jones approach und compared to the X-ray findings. Results: There were 8 complete and 13 partial ruptures of the glutaeus minimus tendon in 54 patients with the Watson-Jones approach. The mean age of the patients with rupture was 75.0 years compared to 67.2 years of the patients without rupture.The Y-rays ot the hip in two planes showed osteophytes at the greater trochanter in 18 (86 %) with a ruptur and in no patient without a ruptur. The frequnece of a complete or partial rupture of the glutaeus minimus tendon was at least 31% in the 67 patients of this study. Conclusion: Ruptures of the glutaeus minimus tendon are common in patients with osteoarthritis o thi hip but it is unknown whether it is necessary to reinsert the tendon during the implantation of an artificial hip joint


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 70-B, Issue 1 | Pages 52 - 55
1 Jan 1988
Goddard N Gosling P

We investigated the relationship between the pain experienced by 50 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and the resting intra-articular pressure of the synovial fluid. We found a significant linear correlation between these factors, greater pain being experienced by patients with higher pressures. In 20 cases we showed that the pressure rises in extension and medial rotation and is least in flexion and mid-abduction. These results help to explain the benefits of rotation osteotomy of the hip and of psoas release. They also help explain the natural resting position of the hip in patients with an acute effusion and the fixed deformities associated with late osteoarthritis of the hip


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 57 - 57
1 Mar 2006
Czubak J Czwojdzinski A Pietrzak S
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Introduction The consequence of discongrency of the hip joint may be early, secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint, that leads to important limits in movement abilities of an individual. The deficit of the femoral head coverage can be rather easily corrected, but only until the growth and maturation of the pelvis is completed. Redirection of the acetabular fragment can be performed by use of the periacetabular osteotomy according to Ganz. This type of the osteotomy is mainly used in the treatment of the acetabular displasia in patients with closed Y cartilage, but also in the treatment of the osteoarthritis of the hip joint. The Aim of the study was to present our early results of treatment of the patients with the secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint by use of the periacetabular osteotomy according to Ganz. Material and Methods. Our material consisted of 64 patients, 72 hip joints, operated on between 1998–2004. 20 patients (24 hip joints) were selected from this group. In these 20 patients the indication for the treatment was not only the acetabular displasia, but also osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Our group consisted of 17 female and 3 male. In 4 cases the both hip joints were affected. The age of the patients was 26–44 years, average 34 years. The observation period was from 4 months to 6 years, average 2,5 years. The most important clinical symptom was the groin pain on the rest or while flexing the hip joint with internal rotation and adduction. The radiological symptoms in patients before the operation were: decentration, narrowing of the articular space, cysts beyond the sclerotic zone, fatigue fractures of the acetabular edge. Results. In all the patients, except of one, the pain disappeared. Abduction and internal rotation in the hip joint increased, but flexion decreased. The Wiberg’s angle increased from 10–15° to 25–40°, and the interior Wiberg’s angle from 10–0° to 15–20°. During follow up we observed remodeling of the cysts. The treatment was subjectively assessed by the patients as very good. Conclusion. The use of the periacetabular osteotomy occording to Ganz is the operation that corrects the hip joint. But in some cases of the osteoarthritis of the hip joint it allows to improve the quality of life and we hope may also delay the arthroplasty in the young age


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 46-B, Issue 3 | Pages 477 - 487
1 Aug 1964
Harris NH Kirwan E

1. The clinical and radiological results of seventy-one osteotomies for primary osteoarthritis of the hip performed with internal fixation have been examined two to eight years after operation. Advanced cases where osteotomy would have been purely a salvage procedure were excluded. 2. The hips were divided into two groups: one in a relatively early and the other in a later intermediate stage of the disease. The two criteria for inclusion in the "early" group were a) fiexion movement of 90 degrees or more, either with the patient conscious or completely relaxed under anaesthesia, and b) no collapse of bone seen in the radiograph. 3. The clinical results show that early osteotomy seldom fails to give relief of pain, which is closely correlated with improved function and a favourable assessment of the operation by the patient. A good range of flexion, not less than 70 degrees and frequently 90 degrees, is retained when the criteria mentioned above obtain. 4. The radiological assessment was based upon examination of the joint space, the cystic appearances and the degree of collapse of bone, if any, as seen in serial films. There was convincing evidence of regression indicating arrest of the arthritic process in 70 per cent of the "early" cases. 5. Regression after osteotomy appears to be a well-defined process which is more commonly observed and more complete when the osteotomy is performed sooner rather than at a later stage of the disease. With few exceptions a good radiological result is associated with a good clinical result. 6. Some of the possible causes of failure are discussed. Osteotomy is more likely to fail if delayed till stiffness is severe and collapse of bone has begun. Large cysts, rapid advance of the disease, and a valgus osteotomy in the presence of lateral subluxation may also prejudice the results. 7. This review offers good support for Nissen's suggestion that in primary osteoarthritis of the hip osteotomy should be performed early, while the joint is still mobile and capable of repair, in order to retain good function. 8. Relief from pain is not the only consideration in deciding when to operate; the prospects of arresting the disease and of stimulating a healing reaction in the disordered cancellous bone and articular cartilage by early osteotomy should always be kept in mind. 9. In many respects the findings of this review are complementary to those of Postel and Vaillant (1962) who reported excellent results from varus osteotomy of Pauwels' type in a series of cases of subluxation of the hip with pain but without frank secondary osteoarthritic change


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 2 | Pages 66 - 72
1 Feb 2016
Gebhart JJ Weinberg DS Bohl MS Liu RW

Objectives. Sagittal alignment of the lumbosacral spine, and specifically pelvic incidence (PI), has been implicated in the development of spine pathology, but generally ignored with regards to diseases of the hip. We aimed to determine if increased PI is correlated with higher rates of hip osteoarthritis (HOA). The effect of PI on the development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was used as a negative control. Methods. We studied 400 well-preserved cadaveric skeletons ranging from 50 to 79 years of age at death. Each specimen’s OA of the hip and knee were graded using a previously described method. PI was measured from standardised lateral photographs of reconstructed pelvises. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age and PI with HOA and KOA. Results. The mean age was 60.2 years (standard deviation (. sd. ) 8.1), and the mean PI was 46.7° (. sd. 10.7°). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between increased PI and HOA (standardised beta = 0.103, p = 0.017). There was no correlation between PI and KOA (standardised beta = 0.003, p = 0.912). Conclusion. Higher PI in the younger individual may contribute to the development of HOA in later life. Cite this article: Dr J. J. Gebhart. Relationship between pelvic incidence and osteoarthritis of the hip. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:66–72. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.52.2000552


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 38-B, Issue 2 | Pages 468 - 474
1 May 1956
Campbell JP Jackson JP

Conclusions based on forty-six osteotomies show this to be a sound pain-relieving operation for osteoarthritis of the hip. The field of operation has been widened and some of the disadvantages have been avoided by nail and plate fixation. Early results from this method are similar to those from osteotomy and immobilisation in plaster, and it seems likely that the relief of pain will be just as enduring


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 57-B, Issue 4 | Pages 466 - 470
1 Nov 1975
Olsson SS Goldie IF Irstam LKH

A radiological review of two groups of intertrochanteric osteotomies of the femur for primary osteoarthritis of the hip has been made. Each group originally consisted of forty-one hips. In one group a Wainwright straight V-spline without compression had been used for fixation, and In the other group an AO angled plate with compression. The time for bony union was equal in the two groups but the incidence of non-union was lower in the AO group. Regression of cysts and of bone sclerosis was more frequent in the Wainwrlght group, possibly as a consequence of the greater medial displacement and varus angulation


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 40-B, Issue 2 | Pages 219 - 226
1 May 1958
Adam A Spence AJ

1 . Intertrochanteric osteotomy is valuable in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip, giving a high percentage of satisfactory results. It often relieves the pain immediately, is long-lasting in its effects, and may even increase the range of movement. 2. There is no evidence from our figures that the extent of medial displacement of the lower fragment influences the result as judged from relief of pain, performance, and the patient's assessment. Movement, however, is less improved if displacement exceeds half the diameter of the divided bone. 3. Our observations did not support the view that improvement is caused by a changed relationship between the upper fragment and the acetabulum. When measurements were possible the position of the upper fragment usually remained virtually unaltered. 4. Our figures confirm that in most patients relief of pain is immediate; that is to say, the patient is aware on regaining consciousness that his pain has gone, even though he formerly had pain at rest. Whatever may be the mechanism that relieves the pain, it acts immediately


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 56-B, Issue 2 | Pages 279 - 290
1 May 1974
Byers PD

1. Osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the hip induces a fibrin layer over the exposed bone which forms the basis of a fibrocellular protective mantle that can differentiate towards cartilage. 2. The process is accompanied by bone remodelling, which reduces sclerosis, resolves osteolytic foci and, in company with bone formation in the fibrous mantle, restores the subchondral plate. 3. Many important aspects of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and of its partial repair by osteotomy remain to be elucidated


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 72-B, Issue 6 | Pages 1010 - 1013
1 Nov 1990
Werners R Vincent B Bulstrode C

We have reviewed 368 osteotomies carried out for osteoarthritis of the hip at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. Survivorship analysis showed that 10 years after osteotomy 47% had required no further surgery, and even after 20 years 23% had still not had a hip replacement. Hips with moderate arthritic change showed significantly better results than those with more severe degeneration. Osteotomies with varus angulation as well as medial displacement showed longer survival


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 43-B, Issue 1 | Pages 50 - 60
1 Feb 1961
Nicoll EA Holden NT

1. Almost all patients with osteoarthritis of the hip who consult the surgeon do so because they wish to be relieved of pain. They all have limitation of movement in varying degrees but most of them will be either unaware of it or will have accepted it. What is more important, they would not have sought medical advice because of stiffness if there had been no pain. The primary objective of operative treatment must therefore be to relieve pain. 2. Displacement osteotomy will give substantial relief from pain in a high proportion of cases and the relief is lasting. Perhaps that explains why this operation, advocated by McMurray and Malkin twenty-five years ago, is being practised more widely than ever to-day while its competitors (neurectomy, capsulectomy, arthroplasty) have steadily diminished in popularity. 3. The disadvantages of the operation are all related to post-operative immobilisation in plaster, which may induce further stiffness of the hip, even to the extent of ankylosis, or stiffness and pain in the knee. These disadvantages may be overcome to a considerable degree by internal fixation followed by sling suspension and early active movement. But when, under anaesthesia, the range of hip flexion is reduced to 45 degrees or less, the operation is always liable to result in ankylosis, and it is wise in these circumstances to take this possibility into account and warn the patient beforehand


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 32-B, Issue 2 | Pages 148 - 160
1 May 1950
Osborne GV Fahrni WH

1. Experimental evidence is advanced to suggest that the effect of the McMurray displacement osteotomy in osteoarthritis of the hip is to diminish the load carried by the head of the femur, firstly by correction of deformity, and secondly by a "pelvic support" action. 2. A review of seventy-five cases has revealed certain important details in selection and operative management. The end-results indicate that the operation, when correctly performed, is successful in relieving pain and diminishing disability


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 6 - 6
1 Jul 2020
Yasuda T Onishi E Ota S Fujita S Sueyoshi T Hashimura T
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Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis of the hip (RPOH) is an unusual subset of osteoarthritis. It is characterized by rapid joint space loss, chondroly­sis, and sometimes marked femoral head and acetabular destruction as a late finding. The exact pathogenetic mechanism is unknown. Potential causes of RPOH include subchondral insufficiency fracture resulting from osteoporosis, increasing posterior pelvic tilt as a mechanical factor, and high serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 as biological factors. This study was aimed to identify some markers that associate with the destructive process of RPOH by analyzing the proposed pathological factors of the disease, MMP-3, pelvic tilt, and osteoporosis. Of female patients who visited our hospital with hip pain from 2012 through 2018, this study enrolled female patients with sufficient clinical records including the onset of hip pain, age and body mass index (BMI) at the onset, a series of radiographs during the period of >12 months from the onset of hip pain, and hematological data of MMP-3 and C-reactive protein (CRP). We found the hip joints of 31 patients meet the diagnostic criteria of RPOH, chondrolysis >two mm in one year, or 50% joint space narrowing in one year. Those patients were classified into two groups, 17 and 14 patients with and without subsequent femoral head destruction in one year shown by computed tomography, respectively. Serum MMP-3 and CRP were measured with blood samples within one year after the hip pain onset. The cortical thickness index (CTI) as an indicator of osteoporosis and pelvic tilt parameters were evaluated on the initial anteroposterior radiograph of the hip. These factors were statistically compared between the two groups. This study excluded male patients because RPOH occurs mainly in elderly females and the reference intervals of MMP-3 are different between males and females. There was no difference in age at onset or bone mass index between the RPOH patients with and without subsequent femoral head destruction. Serum levels of MMP-3 were significantly higher in the RPOH patients with the destruction (152.1 ± 108.9 ng/ml) than those without the destruction (66.8 ± 27.9 ng/ml) (P = 0.005 by Mann-Whitney test). We also found increased CRP in the patients with femoral head destruction (0.725 ± 1.44 mg/dl) compared with those without the destruction (0.178 ± 0.187 mg/dl) (P = 0.032 by Mann-Whitney test). No difference in the duration between the hip pain onset and the blood examination was found between the two groups. There was no significant difference in CTI or pelvic tilt between the two groups. The pathological condition that may increase serum MMP-3 and CRP could be involved in femoral head destruction after chondrolysis of the hip in patients with RPOH


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 299 - 299
1 Jul 2011
Ollivere B Darrah C Evans-Gowing R Donell S Wimhurst J Clark I
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Classification of osteoarthritis of the hip is fraught with difficulty Although different patterns of disease are recognised, there is no accepted classification or grading system. We aim to develop a classification system that reflects both the radiological changes, and the local disease process within the joint. After ethical permission and consent tissue was taken from 20 patients undergoing primary hip replacement surgery. Intra-operative tissue samples were taken from each patient and the steady state gene expression of several cytokines (TNF-α, IL1-β, IFN-γ, IL-6, RANKL and OPG) measured quantitatively using Taqman RT-PCR. Relative expression was calculated for each sample using standard curves and normalised to 18S expression. The technique was consistent with high correlations for repeated measures from the same tissue type (κ=0.99) and from different tissue types in the same joint (κ=0.92). Intra-observer (κ=0.93) and inter-observer (κ=0.89) reliability for the technique were also found to be high. Preoperative radiographs were scored by two independent observers and joint space narrowing, cysts, osteophytes and sclerosis noted in each of the DeLee-Charnley zones on the femoral and acetabular side. Based on these scores patients were then classified to either lytic or sclerotic type and subclassified into either hypertrophic or atrophic. Subgroup analysis of cytokine expression by radiographic type was performed. There were statically significant differences in expression of macrophage stimulating cytokines (IL-1γ and OPG) in the lytic group as compared to the sclerotic group (p< 0.05). Conversely, the sclerotic group expressed significantly higher levels of IL-6. Individuals with atrophic subtype demonstrated significantly higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6, but lower levels of IFN-γ. Our results demonstrate greatly differing patterns of disease within osteoarthritic hip joints. These changes are reflected in radiographic appearances of osteoarthritis. Our proposed classification system can be used grade and classify osteoarthritis in a manner that reflects the disease process


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 395 - 395
1 Jul 2010
Coyne P Tate R Banaszkiewicz P
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Introduction: Intra-articular injection (IAJ) with cortico-steroid and local anaesthetic has been used as both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in osteoarthritis of the hip. Doubt remains about its efficacy in confirming the source of symptoms in patients with both hip and spinal arthritis. There are also concerns about the introduction of infection for patients undergoing surgery. Methods: All patients undergoing Hip IAJ for osteoarthritis within a 6-month period in 2007 were reviewed for three surgeons at one institution retrospectively. Data was collated and analysed using a set protocol allowing 18 months follow-up period. Results: 41 procedures (38 patients) had injections within the study period. Male: Female ratio was 17:24. Average age was 52 years. There were 54% right-sided procedures. 25/41 patients had full response to the injection. 80% were listed for surgery as a result (documented reasons in those not listed). 6/41 patients had a partial response to the injection – 66% were managed conservatively (due to co-morbidities elicited at review, or spinal pathology). 10/41 patients had no benefit – 3 were offered surgery (one after MRI confirmation, one after prolonged physiotherapy and one after discussion about diagnostic overlap). Hip replacement completely reduced symptoms in 19/21 (90%) and partially in 2/21 (10%) (1 had undergone a successful pre-operative IAJ). There were no deep infections in patients undergoing surgery after injection. 1 patient had a superficial infection (resolved at review). Discussion: Diagnostic IAJ can be of value in patients when there are concerns whether the origin of symptoms is truly ascribable to the hip. Patients where injections are successful go on to undergo successful surgery without an increased risk of infection