Primary coxarthrosis occurs when the elastic sheath (cartilage) that covers the bone at the hip joint is worn away. As the cartilage wears away, the bone is left bare and over time it deforms and forms bumps in the form of osteophyte, which further blocks the joint.

About the hip joint: The hip joint plays an important role in walking and supporting body weight. It consists of the femoral head, which slides into the cotyloid cavity of the hip bone, is covered with cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid.

Causes: Cartilage wear can be favored by vârstă, joint malformations, overweight, trauma, genetic factors or inflammatory conditions.

Symptom: Pain in the hip (possibly radiating to the knee), morning afterwalking difficulties, limping and muscle atrophy. They can also adversely affect other joints.

Medical assessment: Frequency of pain, need for support (cane), distance traveled without discomfort, self-care difficulties are analyzed. X-ray reveals typical changes: joint space narrowing, osteophyte, osteosclerosis, geode and osteoporosis.

Treatment: Includes anti-inflammatory medicines, chondroprotective, physiotherapy, weight control and re-education exercises. They improve