Hip arthritis in India affects young and middle aged persons unlike the west where Primary hip osteoarthritis pre dominantly affects the elderly. Surgery in this group of relatively younger patients requires newer techniques and implants. This article will shed light on the disease and the current modalities of treatment available.

Types of Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is classified as Primary and secondary Osteoarthritis.

• Primary osteoarthritis is age related wear and tear arthritis. It is rare in India.
• Secondary osteoarthritis occurs at a younger age and is more common. Rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis and other connective tissue disorders like SLE, Psoriasis etc. all lead to secondary osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder, affects all joints particularly the small joints but also does not spare the hip and knees.

Avascular necrosis is a condition that reduces the blood supply to the end of the bone. It affects patients with excess alcohol intake, consuming steroids, connective tissue disorders like SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder affecting mainly young women A photo sensitive rash on the cheeks, renal involvement and arthritis are some notable features. Avascular necrosis affects a proportion of the patients with SLE.

Gaucher’s disease is a genetic storage disorder.
Post traumatic arthritis occurs after a severe injury to the hip. Fractures of the ball (top of the femur) or socket (acetabulum) can lead to arthritis after inadequate treatment.

Hip arthritis is very disabling as it is a small ball and socket joint unlike the Knee joint which is a large one. In advanced disease a total hip replacement was recommended by Orthopaedic surgeons until recently. Advances in orthopaedic surgery now cater to the specific requirements of these younger patients.