Hip Disorders

Most of these cases involve hip replacement because of the hip wearing down (avascular necrosis of the femoral head).   Hip fractures and birth defects also make up this category of cases.  Standing and sitting for even short periods of time can be difficult.  The hip joint is, by far, the largest joint in the body. One of the most crucial elements to proving your case before the Social Security Administration, is to show the pain level on a day-to-day basis.  Many people with hip disorders complain of severe constant pain that prevents any work. Usually a very strong case can be made that the pain by itself is a disabling.  

The ideal evidence is an opinion from the treating orthopedic doctor describing the ability to walk, sit, and stand supported by an objective medical test.  When the ideal evidence is presented, this makes for a very strong case for disability for people who are 50 and older.  The following tests can help pinpoint the proper diagnosis. 

Imaging tests: 

X-rays	Usually appear normal in the early stages of avascular necrosis;  can show bone changes that occur in later stages of avascular necrosis.  Can show bone changes in general
Bone scan	Small amount of radioactive material is injected into the vein.  This material travels to the parts of your body that are injured or healing.  Bright spots show up on imaging.
MRI	Can show early changes in the bone that may indicate avascular necrosis or other hip problems

The Social Security Administration will want to see some sort of objective medical evidence as contained in the chart above. X-rays, bone scans, and MRIs provide a factual basis for the doctors opinion, thereby bolstering the doctors credibility.