Rapidly progressive osteoarthrosis of the hip

Rapidly progressive cases of primary idiopathic hip osteoarthrosis are well known and recognized. Their prevalence and significance are, however, often poorly appreciated. This article aims to assess the prevalence of the condition in a United Kingdom district general hospital. Several points arise: 1) Patients suffering rapid deterioration do not always alert their surgeon to the worsening symptoms; 2) Waiting lists need regular administration and the patients regular review while on such lists; 3) Decisions about surgery and case selection should be made purely on clinical grounds with financial, political, and administrative considerations accorded little or no relevance.