Radiographic change is common in new presenters in primary care with hip pain. PCR Hip Study Group

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis in subjects with hip pain newly presenting to primary care. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional in design, set in 35 general practices across the UK. It included 195 men and women aged 40 yr and over (median 63 yr) presenting with a new episode of hip pain. Hip radiographs were scored for minimum joint space (MJS) and overall-Croft's modification of the Kellgren and Lawrence (Croft)-grade of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: In all, definite evidence of radiographic change in the painful joint was common: Croft grade > or =2 in 44%, > or =3 in 34%. MJS of 2.5 mm or less was seen in 30% of whom half were below 1.5 mm. There were no significant gender differences in radiographic severity. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic change is common in patients newly presenting with hip pain and many already have advanced disease.