27. Disorders of the hip joint

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint, usually referred to as coxarthrosis, is common (‘coxa’ means hip). The incidence of osteoarthritis of the hip in Europe is difficult to determine, but it is a real burden to its societies. Many people with mild symptoms fitting osteoarthritis do not seek medical help. Hip osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men. Based on demographic developments, it is expected that the absolute number of people with osteoarthritis who consult a GP will increase by 52 % between 2007 and 2040. If a future increase of (severe) overweight (an important risk factor for osteoarthritis) is also taken into account, the prevalence of osteoarthritis will increase even more in the future.