Post-traumatic arthritis is a condition that occurs as a result of an injury such as a blow from any sports movement or a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the trauma, the cartilage in the injured joint deteriorates. Cartilage is a versatile tissue that coats the surface of the bone and permits smooth development. Post-traumatic arthritis can happen in ankle, knee, wrist, hip, elbow or shoulder joints.
Direct damage to the hip cartilage is the cause of post-traumatic arthritis. The hip is one of the largest joints in the body, and it is called a ball-and-socket joint. The acetabulum forms the socket, part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head, the upper end of the thigh bone (femur).
The risk factors for post-traumatic arthritis of the hip include acetabular fractures and hip dislocation.4
Types of arthritis
A common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joint is called arthritis. The common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis- A common condition that can affect any joint in the body, most likely occurring in the joints involved in weight bearing.
Rheumatoid arthritis- Occurs when the resistant framework does not work properlu and affects the linings of the joints, called synovium.
Causes
The main causes are:
- Sport and exercise-related joint injuries.
- Symptoms are further elevated by incomplete treatment/rehabilitation and insufficient rest1
- Impact from a fall
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Side effects or complications of the previously undergone surgical procedures
- Increasing obesity, weight problems and lifestyle modifications
- Genetic factors3
Indeed, with current medications for intense joint wounds, more than 40% of individuals who endure critical tendon or meniscus tears or articular surface wounds will develop osteoarthritis (OA).2
Symptoms
- The initial symptoms are usually joint pain and stiffness
- If the condition progresses, it can cause joint deformations and leg-length discrepancies
- Joint instability due to muscle, ligament and bone weakness
- Restricted range of motion
- Pain radiating into the groin, buttocks or low back
- Joint effusion – Swelling of the affected area due to fluid buildup
Treatment
- Medications to manage chronic pain include- Analgesics (pain relievers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and natural counter-irritants
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle modifications – weight management, activity modification and use of assistive devices like canes
- Epidural steroid injections (ESI) or nerve blocks8
- Total hip arthroplasty – replacement of a damaged hip joint with an artificial implant5
- Surgical fixation of the acetabulum and femoral head6
The long-term benefits of surgical treatments for preventing or delaying osteoarthritis (OA) remain unclear. There is an urgent need for in-depth clinical and laboratory studies to better understand what causes joint deterioration in patients with traumatic joint injuries, and to evaluate how different interventions affect joint tissue health and function.7
Summary
Post-traumatic arthritis of the hip is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. However, with appropriate medical care, lifestyle modifications, and possibly surgical intervention, individuals can manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. If you suspect post-traumatic arthritis (PTA), consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and next steps, like a tailored treatment plan.
References
- Whittaker, Jackie L., and Ewa M. Roos. “A Pragmatic Approach to Prevent Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis after Sport or Exercise-Related Joint Injury.” Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, vol. 33, no. 1, Feb. 2019, pp. 158–71. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2019.02.008.
- Anderson, Donald D., et al. “Post‐traumatic Osteoarthritis: Improved Understanding and Opportunities for Early Intervention.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research, vol. 29, no. 6, June 2011, pp. 802–09. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.21359.
- Hernandez, Nick, et al. Osteoarthritis of the Hip (Hip Arthritis). https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/hip/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip-hip-arthritis.html.
- Castano Betancourt, Martha Cecilia, et al. “A Review of Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Following Musculoskeletal Injuries Other than Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture.” Orthopedic Reviews, vol. 14, no. 4, p. 38747. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.38747.
- Choudhary, Abhishek, et al. “A Comprehensive Review of Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes in Post-Traumatic Hip Arthritis: Insights and Perspectives.” Cureus, vol. 16, no. 3, p. e56350. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.56350.
- Obakponovwe, O., et al. “Traumatic Hip Dislocation.” Orthopaedics and Trauma, vol. 25, no. 3, June 2011, pp. 214–22. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mporth.2011.04.006.
- Goldring, S. R. “Pathophysiology of Post-Traumatic Arthritis.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, vol. 20, Apr. 2012, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2012.02.628.
- Punzi, Leonardo, et al. “Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Overview on Pathogenic Mechanisms and Role of Inflammation.” RMD Open, vol. 2, no. 2, Sept. 2016, p. e000279. rmdopen.bmj.com, https://doi.org/10.1136/rmdopen-2016-000279.
