What is arthritis?
Arthritis word is comprised of Arthro + itis, Arthro means joints and it is means inflammation. So any condition causing inflammation is joint arthritis.
What are the common types of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout Arthritis, Post Rheumatic Arthritis
What does arthritis do?
All arthritis causes damage to the smooth layer of the affected joints which is called articular cartilage and ultimately destroys it.
Who can get affected by arthritis?
Any person of any race, age, religion can get arthritis.
Which is the most common arthritis in India?
Osteoarthritis is the most common. It is degenerative wear and tear which happens to everyone after age 45.
Are osteoarthritis and osteoporosis the same?
No Osteoarthritis as mentioned is joint damage whereas osteoporosis is reduced density of bones in the body.
What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Commonly osteoarthritis-affected people suffer from the following symptoms :
Pain, swelling in affected joints, Reduced movement of affected joints, Deformity / Bowing, Crepitations.
What can be done to prevent osteoarthritis or treatment in the early stages?
It would be weight control, diet planning and exercise.
What are the treatment options available?
Medicines, Physiotherapy, Injections, Surgery
How Can surgery help or why a patient should undergo surgery or what is the benefit of surgery?
Surgery has always been viewed as the last option and never as an early solution to a better quality of life in the future. For those who have read about joint replacement, it is their fear of going under the knife that is deterring them. They also fear that something could go wrong, and they will not be able to walk again. Today, joint replacement has become the “Gold Standard” for Osteoarthritis. No wonder then that more elderly patients seeking better mobility and a higher quality of life are opting for joint replacement. ‘
What is a joint replacement?
Joint replacement surgeries are orthopaedic procedure which replaces a dysfunctional joint such as a hip, shoulder, or knee.
When is it done?
Joint replacements are an option when pain from worn out or arthritic joints are not alleviated by less – invasive treatments. Other reasons include certain fractures, tumors. Certain diseases and deformities.
What are the advantages?
Key advantages include relief from chronic pain and improved mobility and quality of life.
What is a revision procedure?
Revision procedures are done to correct damage or pain caused by a previous joint replacement surgery.
Which are common myths and its answers for joint replacements?
Myths Answers
It is not successful
Almost 99% successful
Will have to use a stick for lifetime
Can walk without support in 15 days
Bed rest is required
No bed rest, the patient starts walking on next/same day
Cannot be done in obese
Can be done in any weight patient
Can only be done once Revision surgery can be done, if required
What is postoperative care required and rehabilitation?
Staple removed on the 15th day. The patient can start walking the next day. Total hospital stay is for 4 days. Physiotherapy for 15 days, total recovery time is 1 month.
Dr. Amit Nath Mishra I Director & Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement I Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi