Radiographic change is common in new presenters in primary care with hip pain

Objective. To determine the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis in su bjects with hip pain newly presenting to primary care. Methods. The study was cross-sectional in design, set in 35 general practic es 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 sco red for minimum joint space (MJS) and overall-Croft's modification of the K ellgren and Lawrence (Croft)-grade of osteoarthritis. Results. In all, definite evidence of radiographic change in the painful jo int was common: Croft grade greater than or equal to 2 in 44%, greater than or equal to 3 in 34%. MJS of 2.5 mm or less was seen in 30% of whom half w ere below 1.5 mm. There were no significant gender differences in radiograp hic severity. Conclusions. Radiographic change is common in patients newly presenting wit h hip pain and many already have advanced disease.