Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the joint surface, known as the articular cartilage, wears away. Articular cartilage resembles a layer of teflon on a frying pan. As the “teflon” wears away, it leads to bone rubbing against bone causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can start with pain in the groin. It causes a limp and reduced walking distance.

Osteoarthritis is an age-related disorder but there is also often a strong hereditary component, as it can run in families. Previous injury to the hip joint and obesity are also possible causes. Some patients develop arthritis in the hip as a result of improper formation of the hip joint at birth, known as developmental dysplasia of the hip.