The AAOS Board of Directors has approved a new clinical practice guideline (CPG) on treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. 

Among other things, the guideline strongly recommends the use of pre-surgical treatments to ease pain and improve mobility, including corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and non-narcotic medications. The new CPG does not recommend use of hyaluronic acid or glucosamine sulfate to minimize OA symptoms, due to a lack of evidence of efficacy. Finally, the guideline notes evidence that obesity, smoking, age and mental illness may diminish outcomes, although these factors may not rule out total hip arthroplasty surgery for select patients with severe OA. Learn more...