Common Types Of Surgery Used In The Treatment Of Arthritis

Although medications are the first defense againstLoss of the joint's flexibility can result. However, the
arthritis pain and swelling, if they fail to solve thearea will be better able to handle weight and offer
problem, many doctors will suggest a surgicalgeneral movement. In other words, the joint may not
measure. Whenever someone is considering a surgicalbe 360-degree-flexible any longer, but there will be
procedure, he or she should consult a physician forsome lesser-degree of flexibility overall without pain.
expressing concerns and gathering information. DuringArthroplasty - This is the replacement or rebuilding of
this time, he or she should discuss all of the anyan entire joint. And it is intended for those with
potential risks involved with the procedure as well ashigh-level pain and movement impairment. It is
all of the alternative measures. However, a decision isdiscussed in much more detail in the section
made to continue with the surgery, the doctor willimmediately following this one, offering a focus with
recommend a procedure that he feels is best suitedregards to hip replacement.
for the patient's condition and then will explain whatArthroscopy - Growing more popular with the
that procedure entails. Note that sometimes beforeimproved use of technology, this procedure is when
surgery, doctors prescribe blood-thinning medicationspecialized instruments are inserted into the joint by
and advise you to do various joint movementmeans of tiny incisions. During this surgery, the
activities or exercises in order to increase circulation.operating physician has helping staff members who
Some benefits of going the surgery route can includeaid the computerized monitoring and some handling of
the stabilization, improved alignment or replacementthe instruments. The doctor can see the joint on
of a joint so that you can have greater mobility,closed-circuit television and make repairs to it, while
flexibility, overall use and range-of-motion. Surgerytalking through a microphone. Then not only are there
may also be able to provide some level of pain reliefphysical results, but the patient has a video with
where other treatment options might have failed.audio record of the entire occurrence for insurance
Be aware there are possible risks with surgery,and other records. Arthroscopy is often performed
though, like blood clots resulting. And your healthcareon an outpatient basis. And recovery time is generally
specialist may advise against surgery if, for example,much less than with other "open" surgery.
you have existing health problems that could poseOsteotomy - This is a medical procedure that makes
possible unwanted risks. Some of these problemsan actual cut in the bone, most generally to correct
could include sickness or infections that would needyouth deformities like in the knee or hip. Osteotomy
to be healed first, being over weight, which couldhelps with re-alignment, stabilization, pain relief and
cause more stress and delayed recovery, lungthe delaying of joint replacement alternatives for up
problems or heart disease.to 10 years.
Common types of surgery used in the treatment ofSynovectomy - This procedure, generally done via
arthritis follow:arthroscopy, involves the removal of diseased joint
Arthrodesis - This is the joining together or fusion oftissue lining or synovium. Results can include swelling
joint bones. Arthrodesis helps stop the progression ofdecrease, pain relief, improved but not completely
the disease at the point of fusion, ending the pain.healed joint health.