Differential Diagnosis for Pain Starting in Hip Radiating to Groin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip: This condition is a common cause of hip pain that can radiate to the groin due to the hip joint's proximity to the groin area. The pain is often exacerbated by weight-bearing activities and relieved by rest.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the trochanteric area of the hip can cause pain that radiates down to the groin. This condition is often associated with repetitive hip movement or direct trauma to the area.
- Hip Fracture: A fracture of the hip, especially in the elderly or those with osteoporosis, can cause severe pain in the hip that radiates to the groin. The pain is typically acute in onset and worsens with movement.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with sciatic pain, piriformis syndrome can occasionally cause pain that radiates to the groin if the piriformis muscle irritates nearby nerves.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection: These are life-threatening conditions that can cause severe, acute pain in the hip or groin area. The pain is often described as tearing or ripping and can radiate to the back.
- Testicular Torsion (in males): This is a medical emergency that can cause sudden, severe pain in the groin that may radiate to the hip. It requires immediate attention to preserve the testicle.
- Ovarian Torsion (in females): Similar to testicular torsion, ovarian torsion is a gynecological emergency that can cause acute pain in the groin or lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the hip.
Rare Diagnoses
- Avulsion Fracture of the Lesser Trochanter: A rare condition where a fragment of bone is pulled off by a muscle or tendon, causing pain in the hip that may radiate to the groin.
- Intra-articular Pathologies (e.g., Synovial Chondromatosis, Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis): These are rare conditions within the joint that can cause hip pain radiating to the groin due to the abnormal growth of tissue within the joint.
- Neoplastic Processes (e.g., Bone Tumors): Although rare, tumors of the bone in the hip area can cause pain that radiates to the groin. These conditions are often associated with systemic symptoms like weight loss or night sweats.