A case of rapidly destructive osteoarthritis of the hip with onset of less than six weeks.

INTRODUCTION: Rapidly destructive osteoarthritis is characterized by a severe destruction of the hip joint developing over short periods of time. However, to date, there is no agreement on the biological process that triggers this condition. The aim of this report is to present a case of rapidly destructive osteoarthritis. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 76 year-old female who presented with hip pain of sudden onset and normal X-rays. Six weeks later she presented with increased pain intensity, functional limitation and evidence of a collapse of the femoral head in the X-rays. DISCUSSION: Rapidly destructive osteoarthritis of the hip is a complex entity that might be more frequent than previously described and which clinical course could vary between few weeks and several months. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, other causes of massive destruction of the joint should be excluded.