Final answer:
The most common cause of hip disability is osteoarthritis, which can make total hip arthroplasty necessary to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Elderly individuals with osteoporosis can suffer 'broken hips', leading to significant mobility issues and healthcare costs. Parkinson's disease can also affect gait, which is indicative of hip and overall body mobility issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of hip disability is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis often leads to a degradation of joint function, which can require intervention through a procedure known as total hip arthroplasty or hip replacement surgery. This procedure alleviates the pain and restores mobility in many patients. Injuries such as a 'broken hip' or femoral neck fractures, frequently seen in elderly individuals, particularly with conditions like osteoporosis, contribute significantly to hip disabilities. Such fractures can be debilitating and necessitate surgical treatment, after which prolonged mobility assistance is often required.
Conditions like Parkinson's disease can also result in a painful and painless gait, characterized by an awkward, stooped walk. The hip joint is responsible for bearing the body's weight and requires a significant degree of strength and stability. However, its range of motion is restricted compared to joints like the shoulder due to its anatomical structure and function.