Hip and knee replacements—despite advancement in treatments for rheumatic diseases, some patients will still need to undergo these surgeries. Here are insights into the considerations, costs and complications of total joint arthroplasty.
Predictors of RA Flare After Total Joint Arthroplasty
At the time of total joint arthroplasty, RA disease activity has been shown to better predict postoperative flare than medication management…
Younger Patients Getting Knees & Hips Replaced
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Patients undergoing total joint replacement are younger now than they were in 2000, new research indicates. The average patient undergoing a total hip replacement (THR) in 2014 was 64.9 years, while the average patient in 2000 was 66.3 years. Similarly, the average patient undergoing a total knee replacement (TKR) was 65.9 in…
Obesity Linked with Disability After Joint Surgery
(Reuters Health)—People who undergo joint surgery, such as joint replacements for arthritis, are more likely to become dependent in the years following surgery if they are obese, researchers say. Further research is needed to know why this happens and how to prevent it, the study team writes in British Journal of Anaesthesia.1 “I think there’s…
Lipids, Statin Treatment Linked to Revision Rate After Rotator Cuff Repair
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Elevated lipid levels are associated with an increased revision-surgery rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, while statin use appears to mitigate that increase, according to a database review. “[Although] it supported our hypothesis, we found it interesting to finally demonstrate a link between hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff-repair failure resulting in revision surgery…
Strategies for Successful Joint Replacement Surgery
Collaboration among all providers—surgeon, rheumatologist, physical therapist, etc.—is essential for patients with a rheumatic disease who are about to undergo total joint arthroplasty to reach their goals, including reduced pain and improved mobility…
Is the Toll Sports Take on Athletes’ Bodies Worth Glory on the Gridiron?
Sports fans find enormous pleasure in arguing about topics such as the greatest player in baseball, the best heavyweight boxer, or the worst draft pick in the NFL. Most of these arguments cannot be resolved and ultimately do not matter. Nevertheless, the diehards joust with vehemence and passion, especially if fueled by some alcoholic brew….
Pain-Free Equals a Home Run
Integrated approach sets stage for rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty
Concrete Relief for Vertebral Fractures
PVA reduces fracture pain—but is it overused?
Joint Surgery
Modern joint replacement surgery involves removal of worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like a normal joint. Although nearly every joint in the body can be replaced, most replacement surgeries involve the hip or knee. Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for patients who have tried non-surgical treatment but still have joint pain. While this is an extremely effective surgical treatment, total joint replacement should be considered as the last (rather than the first) treatment option for patients with advanced arthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder.