ABSTRACT

Pain from an arthritic hip is normally felt in the groin or in the region of the greater trochanter and radiates down the front of the thigh to the knee and occasionally beyond. Pain is the usual reason for loss of mobility. Stiffness leads to inability to flex the hip sufficiently to tie shoe laces and put on socks or stockings. There may be apparent shortening of the leg from an adduction contracture. In patients with severe bilateral adduction deformities, there may be severe difficulty with personal toilet.