Degenerative joint disease is often called
osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis. The disorder is related to aging, although it
is not caused by it. It is characteristic that there is a decrease in the
content of water and proteoglucan in the cartilage. It becomes more fragile and
more susceptible to mechanical injury. As the cartilage wears out, the
underlying bone cracks and hardens. Synovial fluid is sometimes forced to be
introduced into small cracks that appear on the bone surface, resulting in the
formation of large cysts. In addition, reactive juxtaarticular bone nodules
(osteophytes) are formed. As these processes develop, a slight deformation is
recorded that alters the desatoly biomechanical forces on the joint. This in
turn creates anomalous tensions that end up destabilizing it.)
In the United States, osteoarthritis is
responsible for a quarter of consultations in primary care facilities, so it is
considered a certainly important problem. The etiology of osteoarthritis is not
precisely known. However, the disease may be secondary to other joint
pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis or infections. Overuse of joints and
abnormal stresses, such as those experienced by athletes, often increase
susceptibility to chronic osteoarthritis. Various treatments are available,
such as weight reduction, exercise programs appropriate to each condition,
administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and replacement of the affected joint
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a technique of visualizing the
inside of a joint, in which a mini-telescope implanted through a small incision
in the skin is used. Intervention can be done on most joints. However, it is
more common in the knee, shoulder, ankle and hip. The joints of the elbow and
wrist are also examined by arthroscopy. The technique allows the surgeon to
visualize the joint and its contents.
The fact that, in the knee, meniscus and ligaments
can be easily visualized and that it is possible to use differentiated puncture
points and specific instruments to remove the meniscus and replace the cruciate
ligaments . The main advantages of arthroscopy are that it is carried out by
small incisions, in that it promotes the rapid recovery of the patient and its
rapid return to normal activity, and in that it is performed with a mild anathetic
or with regional anesthesia.
Joint
substitution
Joint substitution is carried out for different
reasons. The main ones include degenerative joint disease and joint
destruction. Joints that have experienced severe degeneration or those that do
not adequately perform their function often cause pain, which greatly limits
the life of the patient, so that people who would otherwise be healthy and
healthy are restricted from remarkablely their daily activities. In some
patients the pain becomes so severe that it causes them not to leave the house
and to address any type of activity with continuous discomfort.
Larger joints, such as the hip, knee, or shoulder,
are usually affected. However, with current trends in joint replacement
materials and techniques, it is also possible to replace small joints, such as
those of the fingers. Joints on both sides are usually replaced. In hip
replacement it is necessary to dilate the acetabulum to implant a metal or
plastic cup. The femoral component must be precisely adjusted to the femur to
cement it in the appropriate location. Most patients benefit substantially from
joint substitution and, after undergoing joint substitution, can continue to
develop an active life
