Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Picture of a hip joint affected by osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects and cushions joints breaks down over time. Eventually, the bones, formerly separated by cartilage, rub against each other. This results in damage to the tissue and underlying bone, causing the painful joint symptoms of osteoarthritis. The joint space in this hip joint is narrowed due to cartilage loss and bone spur formation.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerStanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last RevisedApril 8, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 8, 2011
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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