Coxarthrosis leads to a progressive destruction
of the joint cartilage and has adverse effects
on other joint structures. The diagnosis
is made on the basis of the symptoms either
alone or together with clinical evidence of
functional disorders or the results of radiological/
imaging procedures. Thus there are
large differences in reported incidences. Affected
are mainly persons older than 45 years
– mostly already of retirement age – and predominantly
women. Biomechanical strain
caused by sport, heavy work and physical
strain, working in forced positions, repeated
strain and vibration are said to have adverse
effects as also is the inner biomechanical
strain associated with being overweight.
The present publication aims to provide
a review of the occupational medical significance
of coxarthrosis, mainly in persons of
working age, and to give a current view of
potential causes and associations with workrelated
strain. Therefore, unlike the approach
taken in a systematic review, here studies
of doubtful quality whose conclusions are
worth checking are also included. Evidence
of the role of work is provided by the repeatedly
confirmed association with the handling
of heavy loads, with work in farming and from
accidents involving one-sided coxarthrosis.
It is likely that relevant effects are only produced
when the person has been subjected
to strain from a number of different sources.
That the hip joint is more tolerant of strain
than the knee joint can be concluded from
the fact that excess weight has less effect on
the development of symmetrical coxarthrosis
than on gonarthrosis.
The available data are insufficient for preventive
measures in the form of recommendation
of definite kinds and levels of strain.
To this end further studies on the size of the
effects of certain kinds of strain are necessary.
