Missing the diagnosis of hip OA has consequences. “The majority of older subjects with high suspicion for clinical hip osteoarthritis did not have radiographic hip osteoarthritis, suggesting that many older persons with hip osteoarthritis might be missed if diagnosticians relied on hip radiographs to determine if hip pain was due to osteoarthritis,” explained corresponding author Chan Kim, MD, instructor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. In both study populations, hip pain was not present in many patients with radiographic OA, and many with hip pain did not have imaging evidence of hip OA. Results of the Osteoarthritis Initiative were similar with nine percent and 24 percent, respectively. In the Framingham study, only 16 percent of patients with hip pain had radiographic hip OA, and only 21 percent of hips with radiographic OA had hip pain. Researchers looked at the Framingham Osteoarthritis and Osteoarthritis Initiative studies, with nearly 4,500 participants. The population of people over age 60 has more than doubled in the past 30 years, and the total cost of OA (both treatment and complications) amount to $185.5 billion annually and is expected to rise exponentially.
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More than 330,000 hip replacements are performed in the U.S. Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant source of morbidity causing pain, difficulty walking, and disability. The study appears in the British Medical Journal. These findings are the first to evaluate the diagnostic performance of an x-ray in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of classic OA. Image courtesy of Alampaliam Venkatachalam on Flickr In the majority of cases, hip x-rays are not reliable for diagnosing hip osteoarthritis (OA), and can delay the treatment of this debilitating disease. There are loose parts, worn parts, or an infection in a joint that has artificial pieces (joint replacement).Hip Osteoarthritis May Not Appear on X-ray Swelling is present in tissues around the bones even though the bones may be normal. The bones or joints may show signs of damage from a disease such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gout, Paget's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis of the feet and hands. Signs of bleeding or infection, such as a collection of blood, pus, or gas may be present. The joints are normal with no dislocation or signs of disease, such as arthritis.Īll parts of a joint replacement are in the correct position.įoreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, may be present. No infection and no abnormal growths (tumors) are present. No foreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, are present. The bones, joints, and soft tissue look normal. Otherwise, a radiologist usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day. In an emergency, the doctor can see the initial results of an extremity X-ray in a few minutes. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be shown right away on a computer screen (digitally). You will wait about 5 minutes until the X-rays are processed, in case repeat pictures need to be taken.
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How long the test takesĪn extremity X-ray usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes an X-ray picture of the unaffected limb is taken so it can be compared with the affected limb. X-ray pictures may also be taken of other joints or limbs, since an injury at one point may cause damage somewhere else.
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Two or more pictures of the affected limb are usually taken. A lead shield may be placed over your pelvic area to protect it from radiation. If you are wearing a brace or other device, it may need to be removed. Pillows, sandbags, or other objects may be used to hold the injured limb in place while the pictures are taken. If you have an injury, your leg or arm will be handled gently and supported when moved or repositioned. The X-ray technologist will position your limb. During the testĭuring the X-ray test, you will sit by or be on an X-ray table. You may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of the test. You will be given a cloth or paper gown to use during the test. You may need to take off some of your clothes, depending on which area is examined. You will need to remove any jewelry that may be in the way of the X-ray picture.