Understanding Arthritis and Joint Replacement Surgery

Introduction to Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, commonly affects individuals as they age. Dr. Narendra Vaidya, Chairman of Lokmanya Group of Hospitals and Chief Joint Replacement and Orthopedic Surgeon, explains how arthritis progresses with age. In this article, we will explore the stages of arthritis, how it impacts the joints, and the advancements in joint replacement surgery.

What Happens in the Knee Joint During Arthritis?

The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap). These bones are connected by ligaments, and the cartilage between them provides smooth movement. As we age, this cartilage starts to wear away due to constant use, leading to a condition known as "wear and tear degeneration." This can result in painful friction between the bones.

Stages of Arthritis

Dr. Vaidya explains the progression of arthritis in the knee:

• Stage 1: The cartilage begins to soften, causing mild discomfort.
• Stage 2: The cartilage starts to tear, leading to further pain.
• Stage 3: Small pits form in the cartilage, and pain intensifies, often leading to difficulty walking.
• Stage 4: The cartilage wears away completely, causing severe deformities and pain, resulting in a limping gait.

At this point, the patient experiences significant pain during everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and sitting.

Why Cartilage Can't Regenerate

Once cartilage wears away, it cannot regenerate. Dr. Vaidya emphasizes that no medical treatment, whether allopathy, homeopathy, or Ayurveda, can restore the cartilage once it’s damaged. The best prevention, therefore, is to manage weight, maintain a balanced diet, and stay active.

Preventing Arthritis: Tips for a Healthy Joint

To avoid the deterioration of cartilage, Dr. Vaidya suggests maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, taking supplements like Vitamin D, and exercising regularly. Even a small increase in weight can lead to a significant increase in pressure on the knee joint, resulting in more wear and tear.

For instance, a person weighing 60 kg may place a force equivalent to 300 newtons on their knees while walking, and this pressure increases even further when sitting or standing up, especially in the Indian sitting posture (like squatting).

Treating Early-Stage Arthritis

In the early stages of arthritis, non-invasive treatments can help manage pain and improve joint mobility:

• Physiotherapy and exercises can improve flexibility.
• Viscosupplementation injections can provide lubrication to the knee joint, offering relief in the early stages.
• Laser treatments and arthroscopy can smooth out the damaged cartilage.

Advancements in Joint Replacement Surgery

When arthritis reaches an advanced stage, joint replacement becomes necessary. Dr. Vaidya highlights the benefits of robotic surgery for joint replacement. This advanced technology ensures precision and faster recovery.

• Partial Knee Replacement can be performed when only one part of the knee is damaged. This allows patients to retain the majority of their knee’s function and recover more quickly.
• Robotic Surgery reduces complications, improves accuracy, and minimizes the need for invasive procedures. Patients can often walk within a day or two after surgery.

The Future of Joint Replacement

In the past, joint replacement required extensive recovery time, often involving plaster casts for weeks. However, with modern robotic techniques, recovery is quicker, and patients can resume normal activities in a fraction of the time.

The implants used today are made of high-quality materials like titanium and cobalt-chromium, which are durable and cause fewer complications. Dr. Vaidya mentions that these implants now last longer, with some patients enjoying pain-free movement for up to 30 years.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a common problem that many individuals face as they age, but it doesn’t have to be a debilitating condition. By following preventive measures and utilizing advanced treatments like viscosupplementation, laser therapy, and robotic surgery, individuals can maintain mobility and enjoy a higher quality of life. Joint replacement surgeries have evolved significantly, offering faster recovery and better outcomes than ever before.