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.