Suggest Treatment For Mild Osteoarthritis In Hips

Posted on Sat, 17 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Recent mri scan shows moderate osteoarthritis in both hips. Im 70, so age related. The left hurts the most with pain in the groin and tendonitis and a kind of protective "spur" there. The right hip has lost more cartilage, but is less painful because the other factors dont exist. Physio isnt really helping. OTC painkillers dont help either. My condition has been labelled as "moderate". Would it be wise to ask for surgery sooner rather than later? I feel that waiting much longer may delay recovery time in view of my age. Im a widow, live alone, and my children live on the other side of the world. Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery - sooner ,the better

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs. Ivywalls,

Thank you for posting the question.

I have gone through the question and your medical history in detail.

From the MRI reports,it feels that it is more than just "moderate" osteoarthritis.
That's why none of the non-operative treatment modalities is working for you.

Surgery (Total hip replacement) is almost inevitable for both the hips and has to be done sooner or later.

It is better to get the surgery done on one hip at a time.

At our clinic,our principle is to treat the patient and not his reports.
So,in my opinion,even if the right hip has lost more cartilage,i would prefer operating on the left hip first due to the pain factor.

After you fully recover from this surgery,the other hip can be operated upon.

Considering that you live alone,i would suggest you to get the surgery done as early as possible to live a pain-free independant life.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask any doubts that you may have.
I will be very much happy to help you.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Wish you a speedy recovery and a healthy life.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (28 minutes later)

Thankyou so much for your advice. I realise that scans only show damage and not the level of pain.....housework is proving painful and timely, sleep is suffering too. Stairs are problematic, and getting into my car. Ive always been fit and active (wear and tear?!?!?), and i resent both the pain and the slowing down it produces.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Plan as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yeah,being a orthpaedic surgeon myself,i am aware about the debilitating pain it causes.

So ,talk to your doctor and plan the surgery as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj