Jumat, 24 April 2009

Diseases and Syndromes

Fractures
Sprains, Strains and Other Injuries
Other Injuries
Diseases and Syndromes
Hand
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Treatment and Rehabilitation

Broken Bones and Injury

Broken Bones and Injury
Fractures
Tears and Instability
Other Injuries
Diseases and Syndromes
Shoulder
Elbow

Hip Replacements an Option for Those Over 80

Hip Replacements an Option for Those Over 80

For men and women over age 80, hip replacement surgery may still be a viable option, according to a study published in the December 2007 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Patients 80 and older are experiencing success with hip replacements comparable to those of their younger counterparts.

© 2008, Jupiter Images Corp.

More than 234,000 total hip replacements (also known as hip arthroplasties) are performed in the U.S. each year; this number has increased dramatically in the last decade.

The study compared patients 80 years old and above with those who were 70 years old and below. Results showed that at the time of the surgery, patients in the 80-year-old group had similar strength and function in the replaced hip(s) as did the patients who were 70 years or younger.

"Many older people who could benefit from hip arthroplasty choose not to have the surgery because of their age," says Javad Parvizi, MD, FRCS, one of the study's authors. Dr. Parvizi is director of clinical research and an associate professor at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. "This study shows that people in their 80s can look forward to an excellent surgical outcome and therefore have a much improved quality of life."

Knee Replacement Options Expanding

Knee Replacement Options Expanding

Due to technological advances, more people with knee arthritis are now able to benefit from partial knee replacement, according to a paper published in the January, 2008 Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

© 2008, Jupiter Images Corp.

Previously, this procedure was performed mainly on patients who were older and who lived a more sedentary lifestyle. Younger, more active people required full knee replacements to ease arthritis pain and maintain knee function.

"A major challenge in orthopaedics is treating younger patients with knee replacements," says Todd Borus, MD, co-author of the study and orthopaedic surgeon at Northwest Surgical Specialists in Vancouver, Washington. "With baby boomers being more active and wearing out their knees earlier, partial knee replacements are an option."

Partial replacements are becoming more attractive to patients due to:

  • Higher patient satisfaction
  • Preserving more normal knee motion
  • Less blood loss during surgery
  • Faster recovery time

Dr. Borus points out that even though more patients are being accepted for partial knee replacements, they are not for everyone. "The criteria for partial knee replacements are still relatively strict. The arthritis has to be well confined to one part of the knee. Even though the techniques and implants are improving, not everyone is a candidate."

Learn more about partial knee replacements

Knee Arthroscopy Gets Patients Back On Their Feet Fast

Knee Arthroscopy Gets Patients Back On Their Feet Fast
© 2008, Jupiter Images Corp.

More than 80 percent of patients returned to walking, yardwork and other light activity one week after having knee arthroscopy, according to a study published in the January 2008 issue of Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. The study is the first to measure recovery times for patients having the procedure.

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. In it, a miniature camera is inserted through a small incision. This provides a clear view of the inside of the knee and helps orthopaedic surgeons diagnose and treat knee problems.

"Patients preparing for this procedure all want to know: 'How soon after surgery can I return to activity?'" says James Lubowitz, MD, the study's lead author and director of the Taos Orthopaedic Institute in New Mexico. "This study provides the most definitive answer yet."

The study found:

  • 88 percent of patients described knee-related activity restriction before surgery;
  • 82 percent of patients returned to walking and other light activity one week after surgery.
  • After two weeks, 94 percent returned to light activity, and after four weeks 100 percent of patients were active.

GLOSSARY OF ORTHOPAEDIC WORDS