Treatment of Early-Onset Hip Osteoarthritis in Young Patients

Abstract

Pain and debilitating symptoms due to hip osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly compromise quality of life in young, active patients. The management of the young adult with hip OA presents a unique set of challenges, with symptoms that originate from a variety of underlying hip pathologies, and patient age spanning from youth through middle age. Early options for hip OA include nonoperative treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections. For patients with structural hip abnormalities (femoroacetabular impingement or dysplasia), arthroscopy or reconstructive osteotomy are acceptable treatment options. In advanced disease, joint-preserving techniques are often ineffective, and patients may require joint resurfacing or replacement. The treatment strategies for early hip OA continues to evolve with the development of new and refined surgical techniques, especially in the setting of underlying hip pathology, and a growing popularity of utilizing biologic agents. The purpose of this manuscript is to review current conservative and surgical management and to describe an algorithm for treatment of early-onset hip OA.