Condition

Mechanism of injury

Primary impairments

Muscle contracture

Typically due to adaptive shortening from prolonged sitting (e.g. wheelchair) or sedentary habit.

Limited motion, impaired gait (decreased stride length), impaired muscle performance, impaired posture, impaired balance

Arthritis

OA/RA, traumatic, immobilization

Result is degeneration to femoral head and/or acetabulum

Pain, limited motion, impaired gait, impaired muscle performance, impaired posture; may require joint replacement depending on patient symptoms and function

Dislocation

Loss of dynamic control of the femoral head within the acetabulum; may be from trauma or repetitive overuse/stretch of joint capsule

Pain, marked loss of motion, impaired gait, impaired muscle performance, impaired posture, inability to WB; may require early ROM restrictions to prevent redislocation during rehabilitation

Fracture

Traumatic or acquired (stress, osteoporosis) disruption of bone tissue

Pain, limited motion, impaired gait, impaired muscle performance, impaired posture; may require surgical repair resulting in post-surgical weight bearing restrictions

Total Hip Replacement

Hemiarthroplasty

Replacement of femoral head and/or acetabulum with prosthetic joint components requiring surgical joint dislocation and relocation

Pain, limited motion, impaired gait, impaired muscle performance, impaired posture; post-surgical motion and weight bearing restrictions determined by surgeon and type of surgical approach

Labral Tear

Disruption of the connective tissue that serves as an extension of the boundaries of the socket; resulting in joint motion derangement, locking, catching

Pain, limited motion, impaired gait, impaired muscle performance, impaired posture; post-surgical motion and weight bearing restrictions determined by surgeon and type of surgical approach

Repetitive stress syndromes (IT Band, bursitis, tendonitis)

Overuse or insufficiency in a group of muscles can result in inflammation; common areas are greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS, formerly "bursitis"); Psoas bursitis, Piriformis syndrome (posterior lateral hip), or ischiogluteal bursitis

Pain to palpation, weakness in muscles that cross bursa region; altered, painful gait, decrease muscle flexibility/extensibility