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ALL ABOUT OSTEOARTHRITIS AND TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

According to the National Health Portal Osteoarthritis is the most frequent joint disease that affects 22% to 39% of Indians. Furthermore, the study also states that R   adiological evidence of osteoarthritis in women over 65 years of age is at least 70%. The condition is common to both developed and developing countries. Medicographia has published an article on knee replacement and arthritis that states that the condition affects millions of people worldwide and at least 80% of them opt for a total knee replacement or TKR. Osteoarthritis is also considered as one of the most prevalent among chronic rheumatic diseases. Aging and routine heavy occupational activity (particularly to earn a living) are all strongly associated risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis. Incidentally, even young individuals can suffer from osteoarthritis, especially when it is hereditary.

What is OA or Osteoarthritis?

A naturally degenerative condition, osteoarthritis of the knee, wears away the cushioning that enables the joints, to otherwise move freely without any friction. When there is no cushioning, the bones tend to rub against each other causing friction. The lack of shock-absorbing cartilage can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and inability to move. 

Causes of osteoarthritis of the knee :

While aging is identified as the primary cause of osteoarthritis, other factors come into play as well. As a person gets older, the healing abilities of the cartridge decreases.

Heredity

Individuals with a long-standing history of genetic mutations are prone to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. Inherited abnormalities of the bones that surround the joint, may also result in the disease.

Weight gain

Obesity is also one of the major reasons for osteoarthritis. The weight of the body rests heavily on the knees, increasing pressure, 

Gender

Studies indicate that women are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee than men. Increased risk factors are observed in women over the age of 55.

Athletics

Prolonged long-distance running or playing soccer and tennis can result in osteoarthritis of the knee. Injuries should be avoided and regular moderate exercise is extremely important to regulate the joints.

Stress injuries

Depending on the individual’s occupation, repetitive stress injuries along with a lot of kneeling and squatting may lead to osteoarthritis. Lifting 55 pounds or more can lead to constant joint pressure.

Illnesses

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and other metabolic disorders such as iron overload and the presence of excessive growth hormones, are at a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

Types of osteoarthritis :

Typically, there are four stages of osteoarthritis.

In the minor stage, lumps of osteophytes grow in the knee area and damage to the cartilage is mild. There is no visible narrowing of the space between the bones and no apparent cartilage breakdown.

The mild stage, the tissues seem to harden, and bones seem thicker and broader. Still, the space between the bone joints appear normal.

Moderate osteoarthritis occurs when some cartilage damage is visualised. Activities such as running, walking, bending, and kneeling can cause pain and discomfort.

At its most severe stage, osteoarthritis of the knee is debilitating where individuals experience extreme pain and are unable to move without any discomfort or pain. A significant wear and tear of the cartilage are envisioned in the x-rays.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

A total knee replacement or TKR can improve the quality of your life almost instantly. Severe symptoms can be easily addressed and even provide patients with the best outcomes. More than 90% of the patients experiencing acute disability due to osteoarthritis of the knee have recovered completely. 

What happens?

The front of the knee is removed, and the kneecap is first exposed, after which the surgeon reaches out to the joint present behind it. Damaged parts of the bones are extracted, and prosthetic is placed. Thereafter, the joints are cleaned, and the wound is closed.

Advanced surgical tools and enhanced operative setups at SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani ensure that the patient is mobile in less than 24 hours. 

Speak to Doctors at SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani, for an appointment, today.