Hip Osteoarthritis and Arthroplasty

The primary function of the lower extremities is locomotion. Any alteration of the function of the lower extremities will result in an alteration in the ability to walk and run. The hip is the most proximal joint in the lower extremity. Alteration in the hip due to disease will significantly affect the biomechanics of gait and place abnormal stress on the joints above and below the hip, which can lead to pain in areas such as the lumbar spine and the knee. This chapter will briefly review the anatomy of the hip and its relationship to normal and pathologic gait as well as important history and physical examination findings of hip pathology. Diseases affecting the hip will be reviewed and treatment options outlined. Surgical management of end-stage disease of the hip will commonly be treated by one of several options and these will be reviewed. The indications and outcome for each treatment option will also be reviewed.