M94.35: Chondrolysis Pelvic region and thigh

There has been a loss of cartilage in your pelvis or hip.

The pelvis is made up of different bones. There are 3 bones on each side which each merge to form one large pelvic bone. A joint connects these two large pelvic bones to the sacrum at the back of the body. The sacrum is part of the lower spine. The two pelvic bones plus the sacrum form a bony pelvic ring or girdle. In front, the two pelvic bones are tightly joined to one another by ligaments and cartilage fiber. The hip joints are outside, to the side of the pelvis. They connect the pelvis to the thighbones. The hip joints enable the legs to be moved in different directions.

The bones in a joint are covered with cartilage. When the joint is moved, the cartilage prevents the bones from rubbing against one another. The cartilage is normally strong and elastic, with a smooth surface.

There are various reasons why cartilage is lost. Cartilage can be lost as a result of injury. Medical interventions on the cartilage or certain drugs can also cause a loss of cartilage.

When cartilage is lost, the affected joint may be painful.