[The causes of arthrosis of the hip-joint. A radiologic study (author's transl)]

It is often possible to establish the origin of an arthosis of the hip joint radiologically. Only in 17 out of 445 patients were we unable to arrive at a classification because the arthrosis was already too advanced. Data relating to the history are of limited value -- only 21% of our patients knew of earlier disorders of the joint --, so definition of causes an radiographs is important. The high percentage of arthroses the origin of which is known, makes it likely that the concept of "primary arthrosis" is unnecessary, since behind it there hide those cases of apparently ill-defined arhtroses which -- as shown in our results -- can be further differentiated. This radiologically based classification will serve to increase the possibilities of progressing from symptomatic to prophylactic treatment.