Prof. Dr. Alexander Giurea is a specialist in orthopaedics and rheumatology at the Wiener Privatklinik Hospital, Vienna - Why do we feel pain in the pelvis?
What leads to pelvic pain most often?
Osteoarthritis of the hip (a degenerative disease in which there is a loss of cartilage) is the most common cause of pain in the pelvic area. Necrosis of the femoral head (impaired blood supply to the femoral area), as well as The Trochanter bursitis can also be a cause of pain.
Is it only in older adults that this condition can be seen?
Pain in this area is seen in older patients mostly. Occasionally, with femoral head necrosis and hip dysplasia, it can also occur in younger people. In them, it is also possible that the hip joint is damaged.
When is it a good idea to consult a specialist and what tests are done?
Consultation with an orthopedist is necessary when the patient feels pain in the pelvis both during the day and at night. Most often the pain occurs in the gluteal region and groin, spreading to the knees. The first step is an accurate clinical examination, after which it is advisable to take both a two-plane X-ray of the pelvis and an additional MRI. A CT scan may be performed, but this is done in more special cases.
What is the treatment and how to relieve pelvic pain?
In order to relieve pelvic pain, non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs (anti-inflammatory drugs) are taken. If it is too strong, it is also possible to take morphine-like drugs.
Which physical exercises help reduce pelvic pain?
It is advisable to visit a physiotherapist. A way to reduce pain is exercise without weights. Excellent examples are cycling, doing gymnastics and stretching.
When is surgery an imperative method of treatment?
Most often, surgery is appointed when physiotherapy and drug treatment have not produced results. It appears as a recommended method of treatment in patients with severe femoral head necrosis and hip degeneration.
When is a hip replacement done and does the pain stop afterwards?
One of the most successful treatments is precisely performing hip replacement surgery, with a 20-year survival rate of 90%. In this method, titanium prostheses with ceramic articulation replace the already damaged joint. And yes, the pain goes away if it was caused by osteoarthritis, but it takes time (up to 2-3 weeks). At the end of the sixth week, when the pain is completely gone, patients can wear heavier objects.
