OSTEOARTHRITIS AND YOU I.M. Doctor, M.D. My Office My City, State
The information in this presentation was provided to the presenter by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and may be modified. Endorsement of this presentation by the AAOS is not implied or inferred.
Osteoarthritis and You Orthopaedics and the Bone and Joint Decade Osteoarthritis
What is an orthopaedic surgeon? MD who specializes in treatment and health maintenance of musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, cartilage and spine)
What is an orthopaedic surgeon? The expert in treating the musculoskeletal system The expert in maintaining musculoskeletal health
Educating an Orthopaedic Surgeon College Medical School Internship Orthopaedic Residency Fellowship (optional) 2 Years Practice TOTAL 4 4 1 4 (1) 2 16 years!
What do orthopaedic surgeons do? Diagnose Treat Medication Physical Therapy Exercise Brace Surgery Prevent
Osteoarthritis Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Getting You Back In The Game
Osteoarthritis Nearly 27 million Americans age 25 and older have osteoarthritis 46 million U.S. adults report doctor-diagnosed arthritis As the U.S. population ages, these numbers are likely to increase dramatically. People who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase to 67 million in 2030.
Bone Fibrous capsule Joint space filled with synovial fluid Articular cartilage Synovial membrane Synovial Joints
Who is affected by osteoarthritis? Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 45, it occurs more frequently in females Gender:
Burden of Disease 11 million visits to physicians offices 815,000 hospitalizations
Symptoms Pain in affected joints Pain worse with prolonged overuse Pain better with rest and exercise Stiffness relieved by flexing
Diagnosis Physical exam X-rays Blood test to rule out other diseases
Diagnosis Osteoarthritic knee Healthy knee
Grade 1 OA Grade 2 OA
Grade 3 OA Grade 4 OA
Diagnosis Before your appointment: Prepare to describe your symptoms Gather medical history Make list of medications Write down questions and concerns
Diagnosis During Your Appointment What should I expect from my treatment? What effect will my treatment have on my daily activities? What can I do to prevent further disability?
Diagnosis Location, duration, & character of symptoms Appearance of joints Results of clinical diagnosis tools
Causes Primary Osteoarthritis: Most Common Thought to be result of aging Decreased ability of cartilage to repair itself Ligaments and muscles supporting joints weaken
Treatment Health and behavior modifications Drug therapy Intra-articular treatment Surgery Experimental/alternative treatments
Medication: NSAIDs NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Aspirin Ibuprofen Naproxen
Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements
Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Some positive results Mild to moderate pain relief If benefits not seen within 8 weeks, not likely Proceed with caution
Alternative Medicine Complementary Approaches May: Ease symptoms Improve outlook and attitude
Alternative Medicine Complementary Approaches Will Not: Cure acute illness Replace proven medical treatments for osteoarthritis
Exercise
Exercise Strengthening exercises can help Correct positioning is critical 32
Exercise Dos Include flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic exercises Exercise when pain and stiffness lowest Exercise when you are not tired Exercise when medication having greatest effect
Exercise Dos Always warm-up and cool down Start slowly, progress gradually Avoid becoming chilled or overheated when exercising Use heat, cold, & other pain reducers
Exercise Dos Use aids like walking sticks or canes if needed Expect minor discomfort Use two-hour rule: No more pain two hours after exercising than before you started
Exercise Dos Talk to your doctor first Consider athletic trainer or physical therapist
Exercise Don’ts Do too much too soon Hold your breath while exercising Take extra medication before unless your orthopaedic surgeon suggests it
Heat & Ice Moist Heat Towels, hot packs, bath, or shower 15-20 minutes 3 times each day
Heat & Ice Cold Therapy Ice packs 10-15 minutes at a time
Too Much Exercise Consult your doctor if these symptoms are present: Unusual or persistent fatigue Increased weakness Decreased range of motion Increased joint swelling Continued pain 1 hour after exercising
Asking Questions About Surgery Why? Alternatives Benefits and for how long?
Asking Questions About Surgery Duration of recovery? Assistance at home? How long? Disability after surgery? Physical therapy? Return to normal activity?
Surgery Arthroscopy Surgical abrasion of cartilage
Surgery Pre-Osteotomy Post-Osteotomy
Knee Hip Surgery: Total Joint Replacement
Name: Karen Skinner Age: 51 Condition: Torn Meniscus and Osteoarthritis of Knee Getting You Back in The Game
Emerging Knowledge and Future Research
AAOS Research Agenda Developed a summary of common OA research questions Moving beyond drug testing and surgical outcomes
AAOS Research Agenda Inflammatory response & OA disease Important risk factors Genes that trigger OA Impact of improved implant design Biological & mechanical factors that influence OA
OA Knee Research Agenda Cartilage cell transplantation & other soft tissue grafts Impact of standardized criteria for diagnosis Exploration of factors that account for high incidence rates Societal impact of OA Activity and exercise levels and OA
Osteoarthritis If you are experiencing chronic or recurring pain, stiffness, or swelling around a joint, consult your physician Your orthopaedic surgeon can determine what type of arthritis you have and make treatment recommendations