ORTHOPAEDIC TREATMENT OF HYPERTROPHIC ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP

¹ Robert Breck Brigham Hospital, Boston

The symptoms observed in the presence of hypertrophic arthritis of the hip are frequently the result of muscle and ligament strain. With the increased forward inclination of the pelvis and the flexion of the hip, weight-thrust is changed, and the function of the muscles about the hip is impaired. This leads to strain, fatigue, and instability.

The aim of orthopaedic treatment of such disability is the use of the hip in as nearly normal weight-bearing as possible. In this way recurrence or aggravation of the disability is prevented.

In 158 patients with disability from hypertrophic arthritis of the hip, forty-seven, or 29.8 per cent., were entirely relieved of their symptoms, and fifty-eight, or 36.7 per cent., were greatly improved. The least improvement was observed in those with unilateral involvement and in those wIth extensive flexion and adduction deformity. It is among these, particularly the latter group, that surgical therapy is sometimes required.

Manipulation of the hip often leads to improved motion, if there is little deformation of the femoral head.

Roentgenotherapy is a helpful measure to relieve pain, particularly in aged or debilitated patients.

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