Joint Replacements

With ever increasing advances in medicine we have been able to increase the life span of an individual. However with increasing age comes its own demerits in the form of wear and tear of joints which we commonly term as arthritis. Arthritis as such is a broad term which encompasses a large group of disorders which eventually lead to wear and tear of joints. Age related wear and tear of joints is the most common form of arthritis in our population. Other causes for arthritis are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spondylo-arthropathies, skin disorders, Gastro intestinal disorders to name a few.
Whatever the cause, the end result is wear and tear of the joint.
Joints most commonly affected in order of highest to lowest are knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, elbows and wrists.
When the Weight bearing joints of the lower limb [Hips/Knees] become arthritic, they cause a significant impact on the patients physical, psychological and social aspects of life.
Early arthritis can be managed with medication and physiotherapy.
Moderate arthritis can be managed with intra-articular injections [PRP/ Hyaluronic acid].
Howeverfor severe/advanced arthritis, joint replacements have been the mainstay of management. With newer techniques, better implant designs for Total Knee / Hip/ Shoulder replacements and a shorter quicker recovery from surgery, this is the best modality of management to return back to an active & healthy lifestyle.