Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of joints is a common problem in both men and women over 50 years of age. Other than age it might have other reasons such as physical trauma, injury of the joint, rheumatism, congenital joint deformations and being overweight.
Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis
Some people have higher risks for knee osteoarthritis;
- Elders
- Overweight people
- Heavy physical workers
- Rheumatism patients
- Genetic
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
- Intense pain in joints, increasing with movement
- Pain in the joints during the change of seasons
- Swelling and loss of flexibility
- Meniscus tears
Surgical Options for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
- High Tibia Valgization Osteotonomy: The purpose of this treatment is to shift the pressure point on the knee towards the side to decrease the speed of osteoarthritis. It is not recommended in some cases due to the long healing period and possible complications.
- Arthroscopy: The surgeon detects and treats the problem with two small surgical tools, without cutting open the knee.
- Knee Replacement: This treatment is chosen in cases where the joint cartilage is damaged significantly. These damaged areas are replaced with special materials.
Hip osteoarthritis is a common orthopedic problem since hip joints are very active in our lives. Some main reasons of hip osteoarthritis are;
- Being overweight
- Age
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Excessive use of alcohol and cigarettes
Symptoms
- Pain in the groins. Sometimes patients confuse the cause pain because it also affects the knee area.
- Walking slower and limping
- Pain during daily activities such as wearing trousers or socks
- Deformities in the feet in advanced cases
- Shortening of the leg
Treatment Options
If diagnosed at an early stage the patient may not need a surgery. Instead, these cases would be encouraged to loose weight, do physical therapy, use medicines and sometimes use support for walking. However if the deformity of the joint and the symptoms are advanced hip replacement surgery may be needed.
Hip Osteoarthritis Surgery
If the patient’s in good condition, a general anesthesia may not be needed and an injection that only anesthetize the hip and the legs can be used. The average operation takes about 90 minutes. A day after the operation the patient gets walked by the doctor with a walker. In average cases patients need to stay at the hospital for about 4-5 days after the surgery, and after they can go home. When leaving the hospital, use of certain medications and physical therapy moves will be instructed to the patient.