Degenerative arthritis of the hip joint arises when the cartilage covering the ball and lining the socket begins to break down. Whilst there are many causes for this, the final pathway is similar, as the cartilage cannot repair itself and once lost it can never be replaced. The condition causes progressive pain, stiffness and functional restriction. Generally the process is slow and insidious but not always so. Whatever the rate of decline the individuals quality of life is eventually compromised to a significant and often unacceptable degree.

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