How is Hip Arthritis Diagnosed?
Hip arthritis can be diagnosed with a history of progressively increasing pain, first occurring with activities and eventually occurring at rest. Loss of motion in the hip also may be an indication of hip arthritis. Progressive limp and limb length inequality may be present as well. Hip arthritis should be clearly differentiated from other conditions that result in increasing pain such as hernias, aneurysms, and urologic and gynecologic problems. Physical examination The physician will check: • The patient’s gait to determine limb length inequality and the presence of Trendelenburg gait. • Limb length assessment both in the standing and supine (prone) position may reveal that one leg is shorter than the other due to hip arthritis. • Range of motion of the hip that shows a loss of internal rotation is a common sign of hip arthritis. Difficulty in lifting the leg to the side may be present in severe cases. The hallmark of hip arthritis is pain with hip flexion and internal and external r
