Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in the Hip: What You Need to Know
Hello there! If you're experiencing hip problems or simply curious about joint health, it's essential to know about Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and how it can affect your hip joint over time. I'm here to break down the important information in a patient-friendly way, on behalf of your orthopedic surgeon.
What is Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)?
DJD, also known as osteoarthritis, is a condition that develops when the hip joint undergoes wear and tear over the years. This can lead to various hip problems, making movements painful and limiting your mobility.
What Causes DJD in the Hip?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of DJD in your hip:
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Developmental Abnormalities: Sometimes, the hip joint may not have formed properly from birth, which can cause issues like abnormal contact between bones (impingement), partial dislocation (subluxation), and abnormal forces on the joint. These abnormalities, such as developmental dysplasia, coxa profunda, protrusio acetabuli, acetabular retroversion, and pistol grip deformity of the femur, can eventually lead to joint degeneration.
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Posttraumatic Arthritis: If you've had fractures in the hip region, involving the femoral head, femoral neck, or socket (acetabulum), DJD may develop later on as a result.
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Idiopathic Osteoarthritis: In some cases, DJD can occur without any specific cause. This is known as idiopathic osteoarthritis.
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Rheumatologic Conditions: Certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthropathies can lead to DJD due to joint inflammation.
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Osteonecrosis: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone death. It can be caused by factors such as alcoholism, corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, sickle cell disease, lupus, HIV infection, certain blood disorders, and other unknown causes.
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Other Less Common Causes: There are rare disorders like hemochromatosis and ochronosis, as well as certain metabolic and hematologic abnormalities (hemophilia and sickle cell disease), that can also contribute to hip degeneration. Additionally, some congenital disorders like epiphyseal and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias can lead to advanced hip degeneration.
Taking Control of Your Hip Health
Understanding the factors that can lead to DJD in the hip is crucial for taking control of your joint health. If you're experiencing hip pain or mobility issues, it's essential to seek help from an orthopedic surgeon. They will carefully assess your unique situation and recommend appropriate treatment options to relieve pain and improve your hip joint's mobility.
Remember, you don't have to face joint problems alone. We are here to guide you on your journey towards better orthopedic health. By working together, you can find the best course of action to manage and treat DJD, helping you regain your comfort and mobility, and getting back to the activities you love.
Farbod Rastegar, MD
