Differential Diagnosis for Right Hip Pain

The differential diagnosis for right hip pain can be organized into the following categories:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of hip pain in adults, especially in those over 50 years old. The pain is typically located in the groin or anterior thigh and is exacerbated by weight-bearing activities.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the greater trochanter, often caused by repetitive friction or direct trauma. The pain is typically located on the lateral aspect of the hip and thigh.
  • Piriformis Syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, leading to pain and numbness in the buttock and posterior thigh.
  • Hip Fracture: A fracture of the proximal femur, often caused by a fall or osteoporosis. The pain is typically severe and located in the groin or thigh.
  • Labral Tear: A tear in the cartilaginous labrum surrounding the hip joint, often caused by trauma or repetitive stress. The pain is typically located in the groin or anterior thigh.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the hip joint, which can lead to severe joint damage and systemic illness if not promptly treated. The pain is typically severe and accompanied by fever, swelling, and limited mobility.
  • Avascular Necrosis: Ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, often caused by trauma, steroid use, or sickle cell disease. The pain is typically severe and located in the groin or anterior thigh.
  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A displacement of the femoral head from the femoral neck, often caused by trauma or hormonal changes during adolescence. The pain is typically severe and located in the groin or knee.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of cartilaginous nodules in the synovial membrane of the hip joint. The pain is typically chronic and accompanied by limited mobility.
  • Inflammatory Arthritis: A group of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, which can cause hip pain and stiffness.
  • Tumors: Primary or metastatic tumors of the hip or surrounding tissues, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.