Hip and Knee Pain
Topics
The Hip Joint |
The Knee Joint |
Did you know?
References:
1. National Development Conference, National Institutes of Health, December 2003
2. "Arthroplasty and Total Joint Replacement Procedures: 1991 to 2000." AAOS
Hip Osteoarthritis |
Knee Osteoarthritis |
Did you know?
Nearly 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that is a leading cause of joint replacement surgery.
Source: www.arthritis.org
OA Symptoms
Did you know? Source: CDC Joint Degeneration
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
The Orthopaedic Evaluation
Medical History
A thorough medical history includes:
The information that the surgeon gathers during the medical history usually suggests the possibility of several different diagnoses.
Physical Examination
The physical examination enables your surgeon to evaluate important aspects of your joints, including:
X-Ray Evaluation
X-Rays help show how much joint damage or deformity exists. An abnormal X-ray may reveal:
Additional Diagnostic Tests
Occasionally, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.
In an arthroscopic examination, an orthopaedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint.
Injections that provide temporary relief:
Partial joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which only the damaged or diseased surfaces of the joint are replaced, leaving much of the natural bone and soft tissue in place.
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a plastic or metal device or an artificial joint. The artificial joint is designed to move just like a healthy joint.
Joint replacement is a treatment option when pain:
Joint replacement is a decision that should include:
Did you know?
Total joint replacements of the hip and knee have been performed since the 1960s. Today, these procedures have been found to result in significant restoration of function and reduction of pain in 90% to 95% of patients.
Source: National Development Conference, National Institutes of Health, December 2003
Preparing for a joint replacement procedure begins weeks before the actual day of surgery.
In general, patients may need:
A joint is formed by the ends of 2 or more bones. The hip must bear the full force of your weight and consists of two main parts:
Normal hip joint, showing healthy articular cartilage |
Diseased hip joint, showing worn cartilage |
What Causes Hip Joint Pain?
One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are:
Hip Surgery
May be suitable for patients who:
Femur – thigh bone
Cartilage – tissue between bones that provides cushioning
Patella – knee cap
Tibia – shin bone
Synovium – tissue that provides lubricating fluid to joint
Ligament – flexible tissue that holds knee joint together
What Causes Knee Joint Pain?
One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are:
Knee Surgery
May be suitable for patients who:
Total Knee Joint Replacement
Recovery
Every individual is different and every treatment plan is different. The length of hospital stay after joint replacement varies and depends on many factors including age and physical ability.
Estimated Recovery Schedule
Recovery — Rehabilitation
Following joint replacement the physical therapist begins an exercise program to be performed in bed and in the therapy department. The physical therapist or another member of the staff works with the patient to help the patient:
This is a decision only you and your surgeon can make. Every patient’s experience is different.
However, there are some general guidelines your doctor may give you:
For approximately 12 weeks after surgery certain limitations are placed on your activities. When fully recovered, most patients can return to work. However, some types of work may not be advisable for individuals with a joint replacement. These types of work include:
Athletic activities that place excessive stress on the joint replacement will need to be avoided. Examples of these activities include:
Physical Activities
After joint replacement, acceptable physical activities should:
Longevity of Joint Replacement
It is impossible to predict in individual cases how long a joint replacement will last. Many factors determine the outcome including: