Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Hip Pain Not Associated with Trauma
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of bilateral hip pain in older adults, characterized by degeneration of the joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain and stiffness.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in multiple joints, including the hips, often symmetrically.
- Osteonecrosis: Also known as avascular necrosis, this condition occurs when there is a loss of blood to the bone, leading to bone death and potentially causing hip pain.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, including hip pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep, and memory issues.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A serious infection within a joint that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage. Although less common, it's crucial to consider due to its potential severity.
- Metastatic Bone Disease: Cancer that has spread to the bones can cause hip pain. Early detection is critical for treatment and prognosis.
- Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can affect multiple bones, including the hips, leading to pain and other systemic symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic condition that can result in enlarged and misshapen bones due to abnormal bone destruction and regrowth, potentially causing hip pain.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells. It can cause episodes of pain, including hip pain, due to vaso-occlusive crises.
- Gaucher's Disease: A rare genetic disorder where a buildup of harmful quantities of a certain fatty substance (lipid) affects various parts of the body, including bones, potentially causing hip pain.