Differential Diagnosis for 41 y/o Female with Right Hip Pain and Decreased ROM
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition in adults, especially in women over 40, characterized by insidious onset of joint pain and stiffness, leading to decreased range of motion (ROM). The hip joint is a common site for osteoarthritis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the trochanteric region of the femur can cause hip pain, especially with movement or pressure on the area.
- Piriformis syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle can lead to hip and buttock pain, as well as decreased ROM due to pain.
- Hip labral tear: A tear in the labrum, the cartilage surrounding the socket of the hip joint, can cause hip pain and limited mobility.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head: This condition, where the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted, can lead to hip pain and decreased ROM. It is crucial to diagnose early to prevent further damage.
- Septic arthritis: Bacterial infection within the hip joint can cause severe pain, decreased ROM, and systemic symptoms like fever. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint destruction.
- Osteonecrosis due to steroid use or other secondary causes: Long-term steroid use or other conditions can lead to osteonecrosis, which presents similarly to primary osteoarthritis but requires different management.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial chondromatosis: A rare condition where cartilage grows within the synovium of the joint, leading to joint pain, swelling, and decreased ROM.
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS): A rare disease characterized by overgrowth of the synovium, leading to joint pain, swelling, and decreased ROM.
- Bone tumors (e.g., osteoid osteoma, chondrosarcoma): Although rare, primary bone tumors can present with hip pain and decreased mobility, and their diagnosis is critical for appropriate management.