Rapidly Destructive Coxarthrosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Report on 3 Cases

ABSTRACT

Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis may be caused by osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head and rheumatoid arthritis, but its etiology has not been clarified. Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis generally occurs in old age patients and the patients clinically show severe pain, but a relatively preserved range of motion. Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis is characterized by a rapid destruction, resorption and subluxation of the femoral head, destruction of the articular area in the acetabulum, above 50% or 2 mm/year loss of the joint space and minimal osteophyte formation. The radiologic changes are dramatic and they may mimic neuropathic or septic arthritis. We report here on three cases of rheumatoid arthritis that had acute destruction of the hip joint and rapid resorption of the femoral head, and we also review the relevant medical literature. We recommend taking repetitive radiographs for rheumatoid arthritis patients who suffer with continuing severe hip pain.