Differential Diagnosis for Hip Osteoarthritis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hip Osteoarthritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of hip pain and stiffness, as osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting the hip joint, especially in older adults. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and bone-on-bone contact, leading to pain and limited mobility.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the trochanteric area can cause hip pain, especially when lying on the side or climbing stairs. It's a common condition that can mimic hip osteoarthritis symptoms.
- Hip Labral Tear: A tear in the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint, can cause hip pain and stiffness, similar to osteoarthritis.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle can cause pain in the hip and buttock area, which might be confused with hip osteoarthritis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Femoral Head: A condition where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone death. It can present similarly to osteoarthritis but requires urgent treatment to prevent collapse of the femoral head.
- Septic Arthritis: An infection within the joint space, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment and possibly surgical intervention to prevent joint destruction.
- Stress Fracture: A fracture caused by repeated stress on a bone, which can occur in the hip area and might be mistaken for osteoarthritis. It's crucial to diagnose and treat stress fractures to prevent further complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition where cartilage grows inside the synovium of the joint, leading to joint pain and swelling.
- Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS): A rare disease characterized by the overgrowth of the joint lining, leading to inflammation and damage to the joint.
- Osteonecrosis due to other causes (e.g., sickle cell disease, steroid use): While less common, these conditions can lead to hip pain and must be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with relevant medical histories.