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STUDY INDICATION AND RATIONALE, THEORY OF MECHANISM OF OPERATION, & SUPPORTING MATERIALS
STUDY INDICATION: OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP
Definition and Statistics
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, which causes more pain and damage.
People with osteoarthritis often have joint pain and reduced motion. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. It occurs most often in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, hip osteoarthritis is a common type of osteoarthritis that about 1 in 4 Americans will develop during their lifetime. Since the hip is a weight bearing joint, osteoarthritis can cause significant problems.
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