| Common Types Of Surgery Used In The Treatment | | | | joint bones. Arthrodesis helps stop the progression of |
| Of Arthritis | | | | the disease at the point of fusion, ending the pain. |
| 22nd February 2006 | | | | Loss of the joint's flexibility can result. However, the |
| Author: Bhikoo Dhiraj | | | | area will be better able to handle weight and offer |
| Although medications are the first defense against | | | | general movement. In other words, the joint may not |
| arthritis pain and swelling, if they fail to solve the | | | | be 360-degree-flexible any longer, but there will be |
| problem, many doctors will suggest a surgical | | | | some lesser-degree of flexibility overall without pain. |
| measure. Whenever someone is considering a surgical | | | | Arthroplasty - This is the replacement or rebuilding of |
| procedure, he or she should consult a physician for | | | | an entire joint. And it is intended for those with |
| expressing concerns and gathering information. During | | | | high-level pain and movement impairment. It is |
| this time, he or she should discuss all of the any | | | | discussed in much more detail in the section |
| potential risks involved with the procedure as well as | | | | immediately following this one, offering a focus with |
| all of the alternative measures. However, a decision is | | | | regards to hip replacement. |
| made to continue with the surgery, the doctor will | | | | Arthroscopy - Growing more popular with the |
| recommend a procedure that he feels is best suited | | | | improved use of technology, this procedure is when |
| for the patient's condition and then will explain what | | | | specialized instruments are inserted into the joint by |
| that procedure entails. Note that sometimes before | | | | means of tiny incisions. During this surgery, the |
| surgery, doctors prescribe blood-thinning medication | | | | operating physician has helping staff members who |
| and advise you to do various joint movement | | | | aid the computerized monitoring and some handling of |
| activities or exercises in order to increase circulation. | | | | the instruments. The doctor can see the joint on |
| Some benefits of going the surgery route can include | | | | closed-circuit television and make repairs to it, while |
| the stabilization, improved alignment or replacement | | | | talking through a microphone. Then not only are there |
| of a joint so that you can have greater mobility, | | | | physical results, but the patient has a video with |
| flexibility, overall use and range-of-motion. Surgery | | | | audio record of the entire occurrence for insurance |
| may also be able to provide some level of pain relief | | | | and other records. Arthroscopy is often performed |
| where other treatment options might have failed. | | | | on an outpatient basis. And recovery time is generally |
| Be aware there are possible risks with surgery, | | | | much less than with other "open" surgery. |
| though, like blood clots resulting. And your healthcare | | | | Osteotomy - This is a medical procedure that makes |
| specialist may advise against surgery if, for example, | | | | an actual cut in the bone, most generally to correct |
| you have existing health problems that could pose | | | | youth deformities like in the knee or hip. Osteotomy |
| possible unwanted risks. Some of these problems | | | | helps with re-alignment, stabilization, pain relief and |
| could include sickness or infections that would need | | | | the delaying of joint replacement alternatives for up |
| to be healed first, being over weight, which could | | | | to 10 years. |
| cause more stress and delayed recovery, lung | | | | Synovectomy - This procedure, generally done via |
| problems or heart disease. | | | | arthroscopy, involves the removal of diseased joint |
| Common types of surgery used in the treatment of | | | | tissue lining or synovium. Results can include swelling |
| arthritis follow: | | | | decrease, pain relief, improved but not completely |
| Arthrodesis - This is the joining together or fusion of | | | | healed joint health. |