Osteoarthritis of the Hip Pathogenesis and Consequent Therapy

Osteoarthrosis of the hip is one of the most incapacitating dis eases of the locomotor system and in the last forty years it has been a source of continuous interest to research workers and to the general public. In spite of numerous studies, however, the pathogenesis of the disease is still uncertain, and in particular the aetiology of "primary" osteoarthrosis is unknown. Over the last 10 years the treatment of osteoarthrosis by joint replacement has become steadily more widespread, and the operations of osteotomy and arthrodesis have gone more and more out of favour. On the other hand, hip replacement is certainly not indicated in young adults, especially those engaged in sport, because of the twin dangers of late infection and of loosening. Professor BOMBELLI has been a friend of Professor PAUWELS for 13 years. At first he accepted both Professor PAUWELS' theory and technique and with these he has had remarkable clinical successes leading to regeneration of the hip. On the other hand, Professor BOMBELLI has also had failures.