Early diagnosis and targeted intervention based on the pathogenesis of rapidly progressive osteoarthritis of the hip

Core Tip

Core Tip: Disease progression of rapidly progressive hip osteoarthritis in the early stages may be classified into two distinct types: Chondrolysis with or without subsequent femoral head destruction. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels and spinopelvic malalignment may be predictive factors for subsequent bone destruction when only joint space narrowing is observed. Cartilage matrix fragments generated by stress concentrations on the hip joint due to spinopelvic malalignment may trigger inflammatory pathways involving cytokine and inflammasome activation, resulting in joint destruction during the initial phase of rapidly progressive hip osteoarthritis. A clear understanding of its pathogenesis is essential for early diagnosis and effective intervention.