Osteoarthritis. Coloured frontal X-ray of the pelvis of a 69 year old woman, showing osteoarthritis of the left hip (at right). The ball at the top of

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Osteoarthritis. Coloured frontal X-ray of the pelvis of a 69 year old woman, showing osteoarthritis of the left hip (at right). The ball at the top of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the socket of the hip (centre right). In a healthy individual there is usually a clear space between the ball and socket, but this joint shows little or no space. Osteoarthritis results in the loss of cartilage between the joint. The healing process leads to the growth of bone in place of the cartilage, causing pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Treatment is with the surgical replacement of the joint.

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Size: 4550px × 3908px
Photo credit: © ZEPHYR/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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