Explore Your Options in Hip Care
Diagnosis of Hip Injuries
While hip pain can be caused by deformity or direct injury, like trauma or a sports injury, the most common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Depending on factors like age, weight, joint function, and activity, people with arthritis find that their hip's cartilage lining wears away over time. At that point, bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in friction, swelling, pain, stiffness and instability.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint disorders. More than 42 million people in the United States are diagnosed with arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
The diagnosis of hip injuries can be very complex and confusing. Hip pain may mimic many other conditions including sciatica, spinal problems, muscle strains, and hernias. Studies have shown that as many as 60% of patients requiring a hip arthroscopy were initially misdiagnosed.
Obtaining the correct diagnosis is of paramount importance in directing appropriate treatment. A systematic approach to diagnosis may include several steps:
- 1. Specialized clinical exam by an expert hip surgeon
- 2. Specific new X-ray views designed for the hip
- 3. MRI with contrast at a center specializing in pre-arthritic and arthritic hip conditions
- 4. Diagnostic injection to confirm the diagnosis
It is important to note that many patients are misdiagnosed despite having a physical exam, X-rays and an MRI, because the studies were not the specific studies designed for pre-arthritic or early arthritic hip injuries.
To arrange for diagnostic studies and to request an appointment, click here. For more information on hip pain or fractures click here.
