Spinal lesions simulating hip joint disorders

In three patients pain in the groin and thigh which was initially attributed to either a malfunctioning hip prosthesis or osteoarthritic hip, was shown to arise in the spine. All patients had positive myelograms and one had electromyographic evidence of nerve root compression. Referred pain from the spine must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain thought to be arising from a hip replacement.