Considering Cannabis Compounds for Hip Dysplasia Treatment?
The use of cannabis compounds is gaining popularity for treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis and while some people will be helped by cannabinoids, there is little evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for management of osteoarthritis. This is the type of arthritis is caused by hip dysplasia in contrast to inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Unfortunately, the problem with hip dysplasia is anatomical because the socket is not deep enough and does not support the hip adequately. This underlying anatomy usually requires surgical correction. Numerous studies have shown that hip dysplasia benefits from early treatment instead of waiting until the hip has deteriorated beyond the point of no return. Suppressing the pain of hip dysplasia may help for a period of time, but surgical correction if often needed for the best long-term outcomes.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute is committed to helping prevent hip dysplasia and to find alternatives for more effective treatments. However, the IHDI must recommend that patients who choose to use cannabis compounds proceed with caution. The legalities surrounding the use of cannabis compounds differ from state to state and country to country, as well as the effect of cannabis compounds may differ from person to person.
Here is a summary statement that was published in 2016 in the Annals of Medicine. It is pertinent today and contains words of encouragement along with words of caution.
“Herbal cannabis has been used for thousands of years for medical purposes. With elucidation of the chemical structures of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and with discovery of the human endocannabinoid system, the medical usefulness of cannabinoids has been more intensively explored. While more randomized clinical trials are needed for some medical conditions, other medical disorders, like chronic cancer and neuropathic pain and certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis, have substantial evidence supporting cannabinoid efficacy. While herbal cannabis has not met rigorous FDA standards for medical approval, specific well-characterized cannabinoids have met those standards. Where medical cannabis is legal, patients typically see a physician who “certifies” that a benefit may result. Physicians must consider important patient selection criteria such as failure of standard medical treatment for a debilitating medical disorder. Medical cannabis patients must be informed about potential adverse effects, such as acute impairment of memory, coordination and judgment, and possible chronic effects, such as cannabis use disorder, cognitive impairment, and chronic bronchitis. In addition, social dysfunction may result at work/school, and there is increased possibility of motor vehicle accidents.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=schrot+and+cannabis Schrot RJ and Hubbard JR, Ann. Med. 2016;48(3):128-41
