A Brief Guide to Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip Osteoarthritis | THSOC

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. Often known as degenerative disease, osteoarthritis is more common in senior citizens and is caused due to regular wear and tear of joints. Other risk factors that may result in osteoarthritis are obesity, stress injuries, and structural problems with the hip joint. Osteoarthritis, impacts different body parts such as fingers, thumbs, spine, knees, and hips. Among these parts, hips are at a considerably higher risk as they support the body, exposing the joints to intensive wear and tear and cartilage thinning. Hip osteoarthritis can impact the hip’s flexibility, often limiting its range of motions. For immediate relief, patients must visit a hip pain treatment in Plano or any other part of the country. To help understand hip osteoarthritis better, the post lists some vital info about the health condition. Take a look.  

Hip Arthritis Symptoms

• Stiffness in the joints.
• Pain or tenderness in the hip joints.
• Crunching sound of the bones rubbing against each other.
• Mobility issues with the hip joint.

Diagnosis    

To test the hip’s functionality in patients suspected to suffer from hip osteoarthritis, hip pain treatment clinics in Plano and other parts of the country perform a number of physical examinations and will also study the patient’s medical history. The expert can also recommend a number of tests including X-ray and MRI. In patients suffering from the health issue, the X-ray report reveals abnormal characteristics such as narrowing of the joints and spurring of the joint margins.

Prevention

Hip osteoarthritis is more common in senior citizens. Obese people, too, are at a high risk. Many health experts believe the key to avoiding the health condition is maintaining a healthy body weight. To minimize their risk of hip osteoarthritis, it is advisable that adults exercise regularly. Exercising also strengthens the muscles around the hip joints and can help keep a tab on the rate of wear and tear on cartilage.

Related Read : Hip Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Treatment

To help alleviate pain, hip pain treatment experts in Plano first explore non-surgical treatment methods and may ask their patients to reduce their weight (in obese patients), or modify their activity and take periodic rest. They may also recommend analgesics, NSAIDs, and steroid injections.  Patients can also benefit from using a cane, walker or cushioning shoe inserts for stability. If, however, these methods do not produce any significant results, the doctor may recommend exploring surgical options such as Arthroscopy, Osteotomy, or Arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Hip osteoarthritis can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Though more prevalent among senior citizens, even young adults can be a target, which is why it is important to discuss the issue with their doctor. If a friend or family member is suffering from hip pain or joint stiffness for a long time, consult an expert immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the quality of life considerably.

A Comprehensive Guide to Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is performed to provide relief from pain and improve mobility in patients. The orthopedic spine surgeon permanently connects two or more vertebra in the spine to avoid any abnormal movement, which could cause pain in leg, back or arm. If you or a loved one is soon to undergo spinal fusion surgery in Plano or anywhere else, the blog post gives an overview of the procedure, recovery and prevention tips that would help in leading a better life. Read on.

Why is Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed?

The orthopedic spine surgeon may recommend a spinal fusion surgery to treat following problems:

Spinal Deformities

Patient with spinal deformities such as kyphosis (an abnormal rounding of upper spine) or scoliosis (curve in the sideways of spine) might need to undergo the spinal fusion surgery.

Broken Vertebra

Some broken vertebra heal without treatment, but if they are making the spinal column unstable, a surgery might be the only option to repair the vertebra.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal disorder in which a vertebra slips forward onto another vertebra below it. If the condition is causing severe pain in the back or numbness or pain in leg, a spinal fusion surgery might be necessary.

The Procedure

The fusion is done between two vertebra, using:

• Natural healing process of the body
• Bone from another place in body
• Bone from a bone bank
• Metal devices

The surgeon removes the outer cortical bone and immobilizes the bone graft and vertebra. In most cases, the fusion area is also immobilized and rods, hooks, screws, metal plates or cages are used to hold it together. Once the natural healing process of the body starts, a new bone grows around the metal implant in 3 to 6 months.

Recovery and Prevention

The patient needs to visit the orthopedic spine specialist two weeks after the surgery. Making light stretching exercises a part of the routine helps in faster and better recovery. Regular visits to the doctor and physiotherapist should begin six weeks after the procedure. The therapist is likely to suggest low impact aerobics, swimming or walking to strengthen the back.

Modifications to sitting, standing and sleeping habits, could also make a lot of difference to the effectiveness of the surgery. To prevent the recurrence of back pain, the patient needs to:

• Follow proper lifting techniques
• Maintain a good posture during sleeping, standing or sitting
• Exercise regularly
• Sit on ergonomically design furniture
• Quit smoking
• Watch out weight and lean body mass

Last Few Words

The patient has to usually stay in the hospital for two to three days after the spinal fusion surgery. There could be some pain and discomfort, which is controlled with medications. The affected bones in the spine may take several months to heal and fuse together. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and physical therapy would ensure a speedy and effective recovery.

Are You a Candidate for Total Shoulder Replacement? Here's All You Need to Know

A majority of orthopaedic patients complain about shoulder injuries or deformities. The non-surgical treatment is effective if your shoulder arthritis or other related problems are at an initial stage. When the first course of treatment fails to provide any relief to the patient, the doctor might recommend total shoulder replacement. There are, however, a few criteria based on which it is determined if a patient needs to undergo the surgery. If you face severe shoulder-related problems and are planning to undergo a total or partial shoulder replacement surgery, read this post to learn about four factors that determine if you are right candidate to go under the knife.

1. Age and Weight

Patients aged around 85 whose general health condition is not good can undergo shoulder replacement surgery. Similarly, there is no weight limit for people who can have the surgery. Obesity and higher age, however, increase the chances of post-surgical complications such as infection. 

2. Nicotine Use

Patients who consume tobacco products or smoke have higher complication rates after the surgery. Though, they can lower the post-surgical risks by cutting back on use of tobacco or quitting prior to surgery. The total shoulder replacement surgery involves cutting and repairing of the rotator cuff tendon, and nicotine could inhibit healing after the rotator cuff repair.

3. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis might make bones brittle and less capable to provide proper support to the body. Moderate osteoporosis, on the other hand, can simply affect that how a doctor plans for the surgery. For instance -

• The surgeon might decide to use bone cement to fix the new socket to natural bone, instead of opting for cementing fixation method
• The surgeon may ask a patient to improve bone density pre and post surgery to increase the lifespan of shoulder replacement

4. Infections

Infection could be a serious complication, so a patient might need to consider non-surgical treatment options or postpone surgery, in case of:

• Predisposition to infection
• Systemic infection
• Skin problems that increase the chances of infection

5. Wrapping Up

The above-mentioned factors could help you in determining if you are eligible for total shoulder replacement surgery or not. If yes, there are reputable orthopedic centers in Plano who have a team of experienced doctors to perform shoulder joint replacement surgery. So, wait no more, consult an orthopedician today and take a step towards a less painful and more active lifestyle.

A Comprehensive Guide to Epicondylitis Treatment

Often athletes such as golfers, cricketers, and tennis players, among others, develop a painful inflammation in their elbow muscles as a result of excessive stress in the arm tendons. The musculoskeletal disorder is also known as Epicondylitis and one of the most common muscular disorders. Epicondylitis is classified into two categories - Medial Epicondylitis (also known as golfer's elbow) and Lateral Epicondylitis (otherwise known as tennis elbow). Indulging in repetitive hand movement activities such as throwing a ball, using an ax to chop wood, using hand tools and using a chain-saw can lead to these conditions. Let us delve deeper into this condition, through this blog post, and develop an understanding of the various aspects of Epicondylitis.

Anatomy

First up, we have the Golfer's elbow, otherwise known as the medial epicondyle. The condition is identifiable through the discomforting pain caused on the inside part of the elbow. Primarily, golfer’s elbow develops in the wrist flexor muscles of the forearm that pull the hands forward and the flexor tendon on the medial epicondyle. On the other hand, tennis elbow causes severe pain on the outer part of the elbow, in the forearm extensor muscles that bend the wrist back, and the single tendon on the lateral epicondyle.

Causes

Any inflammation in the tendon muscle is known as tendonitis. Inflammation around the medial epicondyle is referred to as the medial epicondylitis, whereas those around the lateral epicondyle is known as lateral epicondylitis. Both of these conditions occur due to wear and tear of the cells in the tendons, resulting in tissue degeneration. Any degenerated tendon has an unnatural arrangement of collagen fibers, which are further injured due to the production of fibroblasts in the body. Eventually, due to excessive tearing of the muscle tissues in the tendon, and lack of recovery time, the resultant scar tissue formed by the body stops healing, leaving the injured areas weak, with symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis is often the viable option to remediate chronic case of epicondylitis.

Tendon Debridement

First up, we have the tendon debridement, wherein the surgeons remediate the contingencies caused by tendonosis, by debriding (taking out) the affected tissues within the tendon. The surgeons create a small incision in the affected area and remove only the damaged tissue while cleaning up the tendon.

Tendon Release

One of the most common arthroscopic surgical treatments of medial epicondylitis is known as a medial epicondyle release. The surgical treatment for the lateral epicondylitis treatment is known as lateral epicondyle release. Medial epicondylitis releases tension off the flexor tendon. The surgery begins by the creation of an incision over the medial epicondyle along the arm. Subsequently, the surgeon exposes the point where the flexor tendon attaches itself to the medial epicondyle. The flexor tendon is severed and split to remove any scar tissue, while the loose end of the tendon is sutured to the fascia tissue nearby. In the arthroscopic treatment for lateral epicondylitis, surgeons resort to the similar procedure. The surgeons furbish an incision over the lateral epicondyle to expose the point where the extensor tendon attaches itself to the lateral epicondyle. Subsequently, the surgeon splits the tendon, removes any scar tissue and suture the loose end to fascia tissue nearby. The surgery concludes by stitching up of the skin.

Wrapping Up

Arthroscopic surgical treatments medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis are an outpatient process wherein patients do not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Additionally, surgeons use a general anesthetic or a regional anesthetic, as per the severity of the condition. Surgeons also prefer using an axillary block to numb the patient’s arm.

4 Common Types of Arthritis that Affect Shoulders

Shoulders take a lot brunt everyday that causes wear and tear as they are the most mobile joints in the body. Excess strain makes shoulders vulnerable to unstable, which may lead to arthritis. Shoulder arthritis is a painful condition that not only damages muscles and tendons, it may also affects joints and ligaments. Shoulder problem often results in the limited range of rotation, causing a painful situation for the patient. As there is no comprehensive cure for arthritis, the doctor is likely to prescribe shoulder pain treatments and diagnosis, based on the type of arthritis affecting the shoulders. We list the four types of arthritis that affect the shoulder.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is associated with wear and tear that affects shoulders and other joints including hips, hands, and knees. People over the age bracket of 50 are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This is a more common type of arthritis, and the symptoms include tenderness and stiffness of shoulders along with joint pain. The symptoms may get aggravated among the patients, who are overweight.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis affects the joint lining and can cause erosion of shoulder bone. The problem may also lead to deformity of shoulder joints over the time. The affected patients feel pain in both the shoulders and experience following symptoms:

• Warmth and tenderness in joints
• Stiffness in shoulders, especially in the morning
• Weight loss, fever, and fatigue
• Bumps under skin of arms or shoulders (also called ‘Rheumatoid Nodules’)

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular Necrosis is a condition that destroys joint tissues in the shoulder could lead to arthritis. When the blood doesn’t reach humerus bone (long bone of the upper arm), this can cause cells in the shoulder bone to die and result in avascular necrosis. Bone fracture and joint dislocation are two common reasons that lead to this condition. Avascular Necrosis is a progressive disease and usually proliferates from an asymptomatic disease to mild pain, creating a severely painful situation for the patient.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

A shoulder injury can make a patient susceptible to post-traumatic arthritis. The most common shoulder injuries that lead to the problem include shoulder joint instability, shoulder dislocation, and the shoulder fracture. Individuals, who suffered sporting or accidental injuries can also develop post-traumatic arthritis. The problem may also cause the buildup of fluid in shoulder joints leading to pain and swelling.

Last Few Words

Arthritis has no single cure as each type of disease got a different course of treatment. The doctors mostly prescribe pain relief medicines to patients and recommend living a healthy lifestyle. If exercise and medication fail to provide relief from pain and improve mobility, surgery could be the last option for the patient. The doctors in most of the cases would start with medication before advising the patient to undergo a surgical procedure after detecting shoulder arthritis symptoms.

5 Effective Joint Replacement Surgery Options For You

Severe knee pain or swelling makes it difficult to move, stand or exercise. Ignoring severe knee pain may irreparably damage your knee. Additionally, with the modern day advancements in joint surgeries, patients with chronic damage to their knee can get relief with the help of a joint surgery. The blog post discusses five of the most effective joint replacement surgeries of the knee joint.

1. Joint Resurfacing

There are three compartments in the knee- the medial (inside), lateral (outside) and patellofemoral (front). Joint resurfacing, also known as the unicompartmental or partial knee replacement, alleviates all knee pain symptoms, by replacing any of the three components of the knee with a metallic surgical implant. Post surgery, patients get significant relief from knee pain. In some cases, patients can also participate in high-impact sports such as martial arts and football. The surgery, however, is not recommendable for patients suffering from knee problems such as osteoporosis, or those having diabetes.

2. Arthroscopy

The surgical technique involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments along with a small camera to view and fix soft tissues tears around the knee, repair damaged cartilage and remove broken, unhinged cartilage pieces. The surgical procedure is favorable for patients younger than 40 years. The surgical procedure also alleviates the problems of swelling and difficulty in movement.

3. Osteotomy

Osteotomy involves cutting and removing or addition of a bone wedge near the damaged knee joint. Subsequently, surgeons change the knee anatomy so that the body weight shifts to an area that has not been affected by arthritis. Surgeons recommend this procedure for patients younger than 30 years, or those who cannot bear the complex ordeal of undergoing a total joint replacement. Post surgery, patients get immediate relief from knee damage due to injuries.

4. Synovectomy

Synovectomy is one of the most suitable procedures to alleviate the signs and symptoms of knee pain in patients suffering from inflammatory arthritis. Synovium is the lining of the joints in the knee, and inflammation in this lining of joints may damage the adjacent joints and cartilage. In synovectomy, most of the inflamed synovium is removed, either through open surgery or by arthroscopy. Doctors recommend synovectomy to patients with limited cartilage damage. Synovectomy relieves knee pain and also helps patients reduce their intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

5. Joint Revision

The surgery is recommended for patients who have already undergone a knee replacement surgery and have a damaged, failed or worn-out artificial joint implant. Patients who have been living with an artificial knee implant for long time period often require this surgery procedure. The surgery provides improved strength and coordination of the knee joint, alleviating any knee pain symptoms. In this surgery, surgeons take a bone graft from another body area and place it in the affected component of the knee, adding to the complexity of the procedure.

Wrapping up

The knee is one of the most important and critical joints of the body. The knee supports the entire upper torso weight and helps us to move. Injuries, medical conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and old age may have an impact on its functioning. If you are suffering from continuous knee pain, you need to visit an experienced surgeon who diagnoses and determines your the condition of the knee joint. Depending on the condition of the knee joint, a doctor may recommend medication or surgery to provide relief from the problem. 

A Comprehensive Guide to Total and Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Osteoarthritis is one condition that would debilitate your knee joint and cause discomfort, even if you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. The knee is a complex joint of the body, wherein the thighbone and the shinbone meet, and function smoothly, gliding against each other beneath the kneecap. Initially, orthopaedists help in alleviating arthritis through medication such as celecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen. However, for severe cases, surgical replacement of the knee, either total or partial, is often the preferred option. You can get in touch with a joint replacement center in Texas or any other area in the US for total or partial knee replacement surgery to get relief in cases of severe knee problems. Let us discuss in detail, the various joint replacement techniques.

1. Total knee replacement

The knee replacement technique involves the replacement of the joint surfaces, both at the bottom end of the femur (thigh bone) and at the top end of the tibia (shin bone). The surgery might also involve replacement of the under-surface of the patella (kneecap), with a plastic dome. The natural patella may also be preserved and re-instated into its place inside the knee in some cases. The doctors cement the prosthetic parts in place, or the prosthetic part is textured to facilitate bone growth onto it, thereby forming a natural, strong bond.

2. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement

The knee joint comprises of three major components- the medial (inner), the lateral (outer) and the patellofemoral (kneecap). The medial side is generally affected by arthritis and thereby it is possible to have a partial knee replacement. Partial knee replacement surgery involves less involvement with the knee and as a result, patients take less time to recover. Minimally invasive technique is used to conduct the partial knee replacement wherein a small incision is made to accomplish the task. However, partial knee surgery is suitable for patients with healthy and strong ligament in the knee.

3. Revision knee replacement

Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure and is suitable for patients with more severe conditions such as those who have had a significant bone loss due to arthritis, weakened knee ligaments or severe deformity of the knee. The knee replacements allow the prosthetic component to interlock in the center of the knee or securely fix it into the cavity of the bone. Additionally, doctors may use metallic or plastic pieces if the bone is badly damaged.

Wrapping up

Top notch joint replacement centers in Texas and other parts of the US provide treatment for multiple cases of rheumatoid arthritis, where the knee joint is either completely or partially damaged. For such severe cases, surgeons prefer to undertake the surgical approach to provide relief from the problem. Out of the three procedures, the total knee replacement is the most stable and long-term option; however, the procedure requires more recovery time than the partial knee replacement.