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Rapidly destructive hip disease: clinical and imaging abnormalities
G W Bock1, A Garcia, M H Weisman
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego.
Radiology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Rapidly destructive hip disease (RDHD) involves rapid bone destruction in the hip. Similar bone destruction in other joints suggests RDHD may be part of a broader condition, not just degenerative.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Rapidly destructive hip disease (RDHD) is characterized by rapid bone loss in the hip joint.
- Previous studies suggested a degenerative etiology for RDHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and radiographic features of RDHD.
- To explore the potential for RDHD to be a manifestation of a more generalized process.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical and radiographic records of 23 patients diagnosed with RDHD.
- Assessment of appendicular skeleton radiographs in 14 patients.
- Exclusion of patients with sepsis or neurologic disease.
Main Results:
- RDHD presented with hip pain (1-6 months duration) and progressive atrophic bone destruction of the femoral head and acetabulum.
- Mean patient age was 72 years; average time to severe hip destruction was 14 months.
- Five patients showed similar bone destruction in other joints, suggesting a systemic process.
Conclusions:
- RDHD may not be solely degenerative.
- The involvement of other articulations indicates RDHD could be a focal finding of a more generalized condition.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying systemic nature of RDHD.