Hip Osteoarthritis: An Underestimated Common Disease
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) affects millions of people in Germany and is the second most common form of joint osteoarthritis after gonarthrosis. Typical symptoms include groin pain, restricted internal rotation, and a limping gait. Many patients wait too long for treatment – until the suffering becomes so severe that only a hip prosthesis remains.
However, there is an effective intermediate option: intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection into the hip joint.
Specifics of Hip Joint Injection
In contrast to knee injections, hip joint injections are technically more demanding. The joint is located deep within the tissue and is surrounded by muscles and adipose tissue. Therefore, injections are routinely performed under imaging guidance – either ultrasound-guided or under fluoroscopy. This ensures precise needle placement and minimizes the risk of complications.
Suitable Preparations for Coxarthrosis
Low to medium viscosity hyaluronic acid preparations are particularly well-suited for hip joint injections, as they can distribute evenly within the joint.
Durolane 60mg/3ml – The NASHA gel is also approved for the hip and provides an effect duration of up to 6 months with a single injection. Particularly practical for patients with limited mobility.
Ostenil Plus 40mg/2ml – The mannitol-containing preparation offers an extended duration of action due to its antioxidant protection and is approved for several joints.
Ostenil 20mg/2ml – The classic preparation for the 3-injection series, proven and well-tolerated also in the hip joint.
Hyalubrix 30mg/2ml – High molecular weight hyaluronic acid for optimal viscoelastic properties in the joint.
When is the Injection Useful?
Viscosupplementation of the hip joint is particularly indicated for:
- Coxarthrosis Grade I–II according to Kellgren-Lawrence
- Patients under 65 with high activity demands
- Contraindications for systemic analgesics (e.g., renal insufficiency, stomach problems)
- Bridging function before planned joint replacement
- Patients who refuse surgery for personal or medical reasons
When is it Less Suitable?
In advanced coxarthrosis (Grade III–IV) with bony deformity, the benefit of viscosupplementation is limited. In such cases, the indication for endoprosthesis should be critically evaluated. The injection is also contraindicated in active joint infection or known hyaluronic acid allergy.
Comparison: Hip vs. Knee – What's Different?
While knee injections can often be performed in practice without imaging, the hip always requires an image-guided technique. The accuracy rate without imaging in the hip joint is below 50% – with ultrasound or fluoroscopy, it increases to over 95%. This should be considered in patient education and practice organization.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid injection into the hip joint is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with coxarthrosis – provided the indication is correct and the injection is image-guided. For many patients, it means gaining time, freedom from pain, and improved quality of life.
Order now: Durolane 60mg/3ml, Ostenil Plus 40mg/2ml, and other hyaluronic acid preparations for hip joint injection can be found in our shop – fast, reliable, and of medical quality.
