Joint Replacement for Arthritis – Part 1

Arthritis is a generic term that encompasses over 100 different medical conditions, all of which affects the musculoskeletal system in one way or another. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritic condition and affects over 60% of those who are diagnosed with arthritis each year. Osteoarthritis causes the degeneration of the joints to the point which the opposing bones begin to rub against each other. This causes incredible pain, discomfort, disability and swelling. One of the single greatest surgical contributions made to the treatment protocol of arthritis has been joint replacement or arthroplasty. (1)

In a joint replacement surgery the physician will replace the destroyed joint with an artificial one. In the case of the knee or hip the artificial joint is made out of metal and plastic. In hand replacements the new joint is commonly made out of silicone or some of the patient’s own tissue. Also known as arthroplasty, joint replacement surgery is very common. (2)

Knees, hips and hands are the most common joints to be considered for joint replacement surgery. Knees and hips often receive continuous stress from walking, running, injury and obesity. This affects the wearing of the cartilage and triggers arthritis. As the cartilage degenerates, the underlying bone is exposed limiting motion and frequently causes a popping sensation. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis also can trigger the need for a joint replacement.

One of the more common joints to be replaced are hips. This surgery is very safe, effective and the prosthetic joint is fairly durable. Another option which is gaining popularity is called “Surface Replacement Arthroplasty”. (3) This is an interim alternative which can yield short-term benefits and is usually covered by insurance. Although patients are expected to out-live the treatment effectiveness it has the advantage of preserving enough healthy bone to allow for a future hip replacement. This is a significant advantage since most artificial hips typically do not last more than 20 years. If an individual requires hip replacement surgery prior to the age of 60 or 70 they may be faced with the loss of mobility in their latter senior years because their hip replacement has failed.

References:

(1) American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Total Joint Replacement

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00233

(2) University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine: Rehabilitation Guidelines for Surface Replacement Arthroplasty

http://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/pdf2/SM_rehab_SRA.pdf

(3) American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Wrist Joint Replacement

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00019