THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEGENERATIVE CHANGES AND LOAD-BEARING IN THE HUMAN HIP

Abstract

1. A predictable pattern of degeneration occurs on both the femoral head and the acetabulum and this pattern is age dependent.

2. The degenerative areas on the femoral head are related to habitual non-use.

3. The hip is shown to be anatomically incongruent, and the dome of the acetabulum, a predictable area of degeneration, is shown also to be an area of habitual non-use.

4. The possible relationships between age-dependent degenerative changes and senile degenerative joint disease is discussed and the importance of changing geometry stressed.