Hips Don't Lie.*

Since I'm still keyed up, let's talk hips and hip effusions.

An effusion is build up of excess fluid in a body cavity. When they drained Mike Lowell's hip joint, they took out 15cc of synovial fluid. The average amount of fluid in a hip should be around 5cc. If 5cc is a little more than a teaspoon (and it is), then 15cc is nearly a tablespoon plus a teaspoon--which seems pretty excessive.

The problem with excess fluid is that it increases the pressure on the joint. And in some cases can cause the bones to become slightly displaced. When bones are out of place, it causes pain and limits the functionality of the joint. Just the act of draining the joint and relieving that pressure, is probably what led to Mikey felt better today.

The more interesting question is what is causing the buildup of fluid in his hip. Although they do occur in adults, hip effusions are more often a kiddo problem; specifically, boys aged 2 to 10. The most common causes would be synovitis (an inflamed synovial membrane), septic arthritis (an infection of a joint), and osteomyelitis (a bone infection). Other cause could be trauma, osteoarthritis, or gout/psuedogout.


*When this song was popular I had a clever friend who quipped "I've just about had it up to here with Shakira and her honest hips." Made me laugh; still does.