Suggest Treatment For Persistent Joints Pain In The Hip And Neck

Posted on Thu, 11 May 2017

Question: My friend has a joint pain in the hip, neck and the back muscle and he has consulted the orthopaedic doctor and he suggested following tests.

1. Vitamin D - Result came low as 14.5 ng/ml (Range: 31-100 ng/ml)
2. C-Reactive - 39.7 mg/l (Range: <6)
3. HLA B 27 - PCR - Result awaited
4. ESR - 36 mm/hr (Range: 0-15)

I have below questions:

1. What could be the issue because of which he is having pain?
2. Reason for the doctor to suggest above tests?
3. He is right now waiting for the report of HLA B 27 - PCR to meet the doctor again. What questions he should ask when he meet the doctor next time?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs further investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

Your doctor suspects Ankylosing spondylitis which is a cause of hip and back stiffness and pain in this age group.

The reports of the tests show some sort of chronic inflammation with possible infection. This may be seen in Ankylosing spondylitis.

HLAB27 is the diagnostic test for Ankylosing spondylitis.

I cannot connect if he is right or wrong because I do not have your xrays and blood reports.

I suggest you get compete blood count to confirm any infection as well. Please upload the hip and lumbosacral spine Xrays if possible.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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