Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is progressive deterioration of the cartilage covering the bones that make up the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint.

Symptoms
Symptoms can present gradually or as a result of a traumatic injury. Pain in the groin or the knee, loss of hip motion or function, and a limp may be the presenting symptoms.

Treatment
Treatment initially is conservative and can include medications (tylenol, antiinflammatory medicines, glucosamine/chondroitin), injections (steroids), modifying activities, assistive devices (cane, walker, crutches), physical or water therapy, weight loss, and other alternative treatments (acupuncture, herbal supplements, electrical stimulations, etc)

Total hip replacement
Total hip replacement is reserved for patients with severe pain that is not improved by conservative treatment. Goal is improvement of pain, improvement of function, and improvement of quality of life.

Dr. Gordon Marshall, M.D. discusses Degenerative Disk Disease