Differential Diagnosis for Right Hip Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition, especially in older adults, characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the trochanter, often caused by repetitive friction or direct trauma, leading to pain on the outer aspect of the hip.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hip and down the leg.
- Hip Fracture: A break in the hip bone, which can occur due to osteoporosis or trauma, presenting with severe hip pain and difficulty walking.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the hip, often due to overuse or repetitive strain, causing pain and stiffness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within the joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent joint destruction.
- Avascular Necrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, often related to steroid use, trauma, or excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to collapse of the hip joint.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause hip pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms, requiring timely antibiotic treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition where cartilage grows within the joint, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Paget's Disease: A chronic bone disorder that can cause enlarged and misshapen bones, leading to hip pain and other complications.
- Bone Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can occur in the hip, causing pain, swelling, and other symptoms, although these are relatively rare.