Background: Traditionally, the management of hip pain has been well defined by age groups such as the limping child and older patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). However, young adults (typically aged 16-50 years) with persistent hip pain who do not have OA or a childhood hip disorder have presented a diagnostic challenge and their management less well defined.
Objective: We present a clinical review intended as a guide for general practitioners to aid the identification of such patients through focused history taking and examination. We outline the primary care management and provide guidance on when to refer.
Discussion: Our understanding of the causes of hip pain in young adults has increased significantly over the last decade. This has led to the recognition that subtle hip shape abnormalities, termed femoroacetabular impingement, can cause symptomatic soft tissue damage and may initiate OA. This is important as it now raises the possibility of identifying and treating young adults with pre-arthritic symptoms (the 'at-risk' hip).