clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Clinical features of osteoarthritis of the hip include:
- pain, felt in the groin but may radiate to the knee, usually occurring after periods of activity. As the condition progresses the pain is more constant and may cause sleep disturbance.
- stiffness, which may make putting on socks and shoes hard
- limp, which is often an early symptom.
- the patient may complain that their leg is getting shorter.
On examination:
- limp with a positive Trendelenburg sign
- the patient lies with affected leg adducted and in external rotation.
- there may be apparent shortening of the affected leg.
- flexion deformity may be present - positive Thomas' test
- restriction of movements at the hip joint.