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Joint Load and Osteoarthritis

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:45:52 +0000

If you comb through research articles about osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis, you will often see references to joint load. The studies are often directed at figuring out the the impact of joint load on the cause or progression of osteoarthritis. Essentially, researchers are trying to determine if decreasing joint load can slow progression of osteoarthritis -- and what successfully decreases joint load.

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Knees Affected by Osteoarthritis Are in Constant State of Repair Unlike Hips

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:47:05 +0000

Duke University researchers have discovered that knees affected by osteoarthritis are in a constant state of repair. Interestingly, though, hip joints are not. The finding is significant because it caused researchers to wonder if the treatment approach should then be different for knee and hip osteoarthritis. They wondered, if joint degradation could be stopped, whether the natural repair response might lead to a reversal of knee osteoarthritis. That wouldn't be enough for hips, though, which would need a treatment to both stop joint degeneration and stimulate factors that could start the repair process.

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4.5 Million Americans Have a Knee Replacement

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:11:45 +0000

According to information presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are more than 4.5 million Americans living with a total knee replacement. Over the past decade, the number has more than doubled. The greatest increase was attributed to younger people and baby boomers needing the surgery, but the primary reason for needing a total knee replacement still is knee osteoarthritis.

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Potential Biomarkers for Osteoarthritis Identified by Henry Ford Hospital Researchers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:29:37 +0000

Biomarkers are biologic molecules that are useful for detecting the presence or progression of a disease or the effects of a particular treatment. When we hear about biomarkers, it's usually related to rheumatoid arthritis. Biomarkers have been more difficult to identify for osteoarthritis.

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Knee Replacement Linked to Lower Mortality and Heart Failure in Osteoarthritis Patients

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:37:05 +0000

According to study results presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), elderly osteoarthritis patients who had total knee replacement surgery had half the risk of mortality when compared to osteoarthritis patients who did not have the procedure. At 3, 5, and 7 years after surgery, the rate of congestive heart failure was also lower. Diabetes rates were the same between patients with and without total knee replacement. Depression rates were a bit higher for total knee replacement patients at 3 years postop but the same at 5 and 7 years postop.

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Daily Cane Use Improves Pain Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:32:34 +0000

Researchers evaluated the impact of daily cane use on pain, function, general health and energy expenditure among people with knee osteoarthritis. The study participants were randomly assigned to serve as part of the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group used a cane every day for 2 months. The control group did not use a cane during that time frame.

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What Is an Intra-articular Injection?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Osteoarthritis can affect a single joint, especially when symptoms first appear. There are several treatment options for osteoarthritis. Most likely, you are familiar with some of the oral medications your doctor may prescribe for you. Your doctor also may advise you to exercise and watch your diet. An intra-articular injection is yet another treatment option your doctor may offer.

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How You Can Start to Exercise with Osteoarthritis

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:15:38 +0000

We've all heard it, read about it, or seen it on TV. Exercise and regular physical activity are beneficial for osteoarthritis. Exercise helps improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. It helps us maintain our ideal weight. It helps to maintain joint mobility, joint function, and actually decreases joint pain. But somehow, we think they are talking to everyone else besides ourselves.

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What's Your Risk of Blood Clots Following Knee or Hip Replacement?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:28:17 +0000

Blood clots (venous thromboembolism) are among the known complications associated with total or partial knee replacement and total or partial hip replacement surgery. As you likely know, especially if you've had one of the procedures, in-patients are treated prophylactically while hospitalized to prevent blood clots. Since patients are treated with the intent of lowering the risk of blood clots post-op, how significant is the risk?

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Incidence of Knee Replacement Surgery Has Increased Among Osteoarthritis Patients

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:51:05 +0000

More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis, with knee osteoarthritis accounting for about 10 million. The disease is among the leading causes of disability. In advanced stages of osteoarthritis, when conservative treatments no longer yield a satisfactory response, joint replacement may be necessary to relieve pain and stiffness and improve quality of life. Knee replacement is the most common type of joint replacement surgery. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), there were more than 600,000 knee replacement procedures performed in the U.S. in 2009.

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