There is no evidence to date that this expensive technology offers any advantages. A foot and ankle surgeon would need to evaluate the foot to select the right surgical procedure based on the patient’s age, activity level, and the degree of the deformity, Spangler says. Now there are many different procedures to fix a bunion deformity, and most procedures require making cuts in the bone and using screws or hardware to realign the joint, she says. According to Harkey, intervention could include exercise or physical therapy to help maintain strength and movement. He added that the health care infrastructure remains a barrier for patients, who often are limited to a low number of physical therapy visits through their health care plans.
Although early manifestations of osteoarthritis are amenable to lifestyle modification, adequate pain management, and physical therapy, disease advancement frequently requires surgical treatment. The surgical treatment aims at alleviating pain and disability while restoring native biomechanics. Advanced computer-integrated surgical concepts allow for patient personalization and optimization of surgical treatment. The scope of this article is to present an overview of the fundamentals of conventional surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the human skeleton, with emphasis on arthroscopy, preservation, arthrodesis, and replacement. Contemporary computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery concepts are further elucidated. While most of this section has addressed total hip and knee replacement, one of the most important innovations in total joint replacement has occurred with total shoulder replacement.
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatment options available, surgery may be necessary in some cases to alleviate pain and improve mobility. If you or a loved one is considering surgery for osteoarthritis, it’s important to understand the different procedures and what to expect.
Your ability to cope despite pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis often determines how much of an impact osteoarthritis will have on your life. Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling frustrated, because he or she may have ideas to help you cope or be able to refer you to someone who can help. This is a quick surgery and has less recovery time than the others. However, studies show that arthroscopic knee surgery has limited uses. The procedure seems to be effective only for very specific injuries — for instance, it is useful if you have a knee that locks up when you try to play a sport, but is less successful for treatment of OA.
Your healthcare provider will help you find the right combination of treatments to reduce your symptoms. If cartilage damage from osteoarthritis is present on only one side of the knee, doctors may recommend a knee osteotomy. During this procedure, surgeons remove or insert a small wedge-shaped piece of bone at the end of either the femur or the tibia. This reshaping of the bone realigns the leg so that your body weight shifts off of the damaged part of the knee. Regular physical activity may be the most important piece of your overall treatment plan. Being active can help you stay mobile, relieve pain, lose weight and reduce your risk of other health problems.
Detecting osteoarthritis as early as possible benefits the affected person so that a plan for treating the disease can be created. Often referred to as moderate hip osteoarthritis, stage 3 hip OA is characterized by the significant erosion of the cartilage between the bones of the hip joint. As the gap between the bones narrows, joint inflammation increases and promotes the growth of osteophytes. Several key prevention strategies have been proposed to prevent osteoarthritis and control the disease progression. In particular, reducing overuse of joints (e.g. related to workload), and promoting healthy lifestyles (e.g. regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight) play an important role.
A hip osteotomy can correct misalignment of the bones in the joint, known as hip dysplasia, which often occurs in early life. This surgery can reduce joint pain and help the joint function correctly. You’ll also likely be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. After you leave the hospital, you’ll likely continue physical therapy at home or at a center.
Types of Surgery for Osteoarthritis
There are several types of surgery that may be recommended for osteoarthritis, depending on the severity of the condition and the affected joints. Some common surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon uses a small camera to diagnose and treat joint problems.
- Joint Replacement: This involves replacing damaged joints with artificial ones made of metal or plastic.
- Osteotomy: A procedure in which a surgeon reshapes the bones to relieve pressure on the affected joint.
FAQs About Surgery for Osteoarthritis
Q: How do I know if surgery is necessary for my osteoarthritis?
A: Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests to determine if surgery is the best course of action for your condition.
Q: What are the risks associated with surgery for osteoarthritis?
A: Like any surgical procedure, surgery for osteoarthritis carries certain risks, including infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before undergoing surgery.
