Clinical features

Clinical features of osteoarthritis of the hip include:

• pain, felt in the groin but may radiate to the knee, usually occurring after periods of activity. As the condition progresses the pain is more constant and may cause sleep disturbance.
• stiffness, which may make putting on socks and shoes hard
• limp, which is often an early symptom.
• the patient may complain that their leg is getting shorter.

On examination:

• limp with a positive Trendelenburg sign
• the patient lies with affected leg adducted and in external rotation.
• there may be apparent shortening of the affected leg.
• flexion deformity may be present - positive Thomas' test
• restriction of movements at the hip joint.