Symptoms
The degradation of the hip joint (coxofemoral joint) often presents with noticeable symptoms. These symptoms include localized or referred pain, joint stiffness, cracking, and instability. Multiple symptoms can indicate hip dysfunction, which patients may discuss during a consultation with a specialist. The speed of their progression over time, as well as their physical, psychological, and social impact, helps assess their severity. The presence of symptoms that align with physical examination and imaging findings is essential for considering the implementation of a custom hip prosthesis.
Reasons for Consulting for a Hip Prosthesis
The most common complaint leading to a hip prosthesis consultation is one or more pains located around the hip, which impact daily life and hinder the ability to perform physical, sporting, or leisure activities. Sometimes, the pain caused by hip damage can lead to more challenging diagnoses. Isolated knee pain, shin pain, or lower back pain can sometimes be caused by hip issues. Certain forms of hip coxopathy may manifest as nighttime pain or mechanical symptoms like snapping, instability, and painful blockages. Stiffness, or difficulty in moving the hip joint, is also a reason for consultation. It can become difficult to cut toenails, put on socks, or lace shoes due to joint stiffness.
Evaluating the Symptoms
The evaluation of the impact of coxopathy is a major stake of the consultation. The level of pain, the frequency of symptoms, the impossibility of practicing certain leisure or sports activities, or even of daily life (shopping, driving) are investigated.
The psychological, professional and sexual repercussions will be taken into account in the evaluation of coxopathy.
