Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Replacement Surgery For Arthritis

By Amy Clark

Arthritis is an affliction characterized by irregular inflammations affecting the human body's joints or articulations. The hips, elbows, fingers and knees are the main targets of this condition.

Kinds of Arthritis

Arthritis manifests in various forms. Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent variety of arthritis, is triggered predominantly by the aging process, but may also develop in consequence of some lesions, malformations, or infections, of your knee. The other less common but likewise excruciating forms of arthritis are as follows: psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment

Several modes of treatment are available for arthritis management. These may range from physical therapy, medication therapy, to arthritis surgery.

The latter, more commonly known collectively as arthritis knee surgery, has a range of more specialized forms - for example, knee osteotomy, arthroscopy, and knee replacement surgery. The particular form of surgery will depend on many factors, such as the degree and severity of the pain.

What is Knee Arthritis Surgery?

Based on the state of the arthritis pain, the most recommended option for treatment is frequently arthritis knee surgery.

The condition generally progresses in stages, gradually damaging the cartilage found in the tissue joints. In the early part of the disease, anti-inflammatory therapy and exercise programs are the common modes of treatment. On the other hand, as the condition worsens, the surgical option becomes a crucial and urgent requirement.

A Less Invasive Option: Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is considered as a less invasive surgical option in treating arthritis. The procedure involves the repair of ligaments and cartilage tissue damage in the knee as well as the other joints. In the surgery, a tiny apparatus akin to an endoscope will be inserted in the affected region through a tiny incision.

Despite the fact that the success of this type of procedure is still a point of contention, a number of proponents confirm the benefits efficiency of arthroscopy when done in appropriate scenarios.

Signs that an arthritis suffer needs an arthroscopy procedure are: painful knee pops, instability of the knee joint or knee wobbling, a prickling feeling when moving the knee joint, and inflammation or swelling of the affected areas.

Better Option for Younger Patients: Knee Osteotomy

In cases of younger individuals, these arthritics only commonly have deterioration of only 1 area of the knee joint. It is for this reason that they are in no way recommended to pursue complete knee replacement surgery.

In some cases, arthritis also manifests as knock-legged or bow-legged cases, which are characterized by a joint reorientation, such that the weight center is transferred from its damaged region to its healthy region. In such instances, osteotomy is usually the best option.

What is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Regarded as a "hybrid" of complete knee replacement surgery and osteotomy, partial knee replacement surgery is significantly less invasive than complete knee replacement surgery. This procedure is executed by replacing the degraded portion of the afflicted articulation with prosthetics, while the healthy areas are left in place to allow for healing. This surgery is recommended for severe cases of arthritis restricted to some portions of articulation. In comparison to complete knee replacement surgery, this surgical procedure needs smaller cuts and allows for a more rapid recovery.

A Practical Option: Knee Replacement Surgery

For most arthritis sufferers, the best choice is complete knee replacement surgery. This surgery includes the complete removal and replacement of the degraded tissue with metal or plastic prosthetic implants.

Associated Risks: Arthritis Knee Surgery

Similar to most forms of major surgery, those who have undergone arthritis knee surgery have the potential to develop nerve damage, infections, thrombosis and different anesthesia risks.

In addition, this type of surgery involves certain post-operative risks, including joint instability, kneecap fracture or dislocation, along with reduced mobility or limited range of motion.

The Pros and Cons of Arthritis Knee Surgery

Regardless of the risks connected to the surgery, arthritis knee surgery has several advantages that may help arthritis sufferers. The main advantages are, to name a few, considerable pain alleviation, enhanced mobility, as well as a considerable betterment of the patient's overall health. Additionally, within 6 months after the surgery, the previously afflicted joint may resume its full functionality.

On the other hand, this type of surgical procedure also includes a few noticeable drawbacks. For example, post-surgery patients may feel some pain and discomfort in the time after the procedure. Additionally, using a prosthetic joint can be noisy and may draw some attention. Sometimes, difficulties in movement may possibly develop. Plus, depending on the kind of prosthetics used, the prosthetic knee can have restricted usability, such as only ten to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced again.

The above said, however, if we weigh the disadvantages manifested in some cases versus the significant probability for successful results, it is fairly easy to realize that the pros of arthritis knee surgery unquestionably outweigh its cons.

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