Friday January 16, 2009
According to a study by researchers at the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research, and the Food and Drug Administration, about 200,000
total hip replacements, 100,000 partial hip replacements, and 36,000 revision (repeat) hip replacements were performed in the United States in 2003. The relatively high number of hip replacements needing revision has prompted other researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, to look into why hip replacements fail.
Bearing surface wear was thought to be the reason behind most hip revisions. But other problems can occur and may even be more common reasons for hip revision. Over the years, hip implant design and surgical technique have undergone changes in order to create more stable hip prostheses that last longer. What besides hip implant design has caused problems and the need for surgical revision? Learn more in Hip Revision - What You Need to Know.
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Tuesday January 13, 2009
You may be inclined to self-treat arthritis when you first start to experience
symptoms of the disease. When arthritis strikes, you want it to stop and stop soon. Many people reach for what's easiest to find --
over-the-counter pain relievers or
dietary supplements. But how long is it safe to self-treat before you should be diagnosed by a doctor?
Even if there is temporary relief of arthritis symptoms, you can't be sure you are doing everything you can do to prevent joint damage and disability unless you consult with a doctor. So, initially -- to get some fast relief -- self-treating arthritis may be appropriate. But as a long-term solution, you need the advice of a professional. Learn more in Is It a Good Idea to Self-Treat Arthritis?
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You're Not Sure Your Doctor Recommended a Knee Replacement?
Sunday January 11, 2009
About 18% of
osteoarthritis patients aren't sure whether they need a
knee replacement after discussing the possibility with their doctor. That may not seem like it could happen -- but it can and it does. Patients with severe osteoarthritis are sometimes confused after talking about knee replacement with their doctor. This was the case with one of my family members. When asked what her doctor recommended regarding knee replacement, my family member responded, "I'm not sure what he said."
According to a report in the January 15, 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, patients and doctors often disagree when it comes to discussing the severity of osteoarthritis or the risks and benefits of total knee replacement. Generally, doctors felt osteoarthritis was less severe than patients felt about their own condition. Patients who were less involved in their healthcare decisions and those who didn't trust their doctor differed more with their doctor about knee replacement surgery too.
Why is this important? The study showed that patients were more satisfied with their care and more likely to adhere to doctor recommendations when there was agreement with their doctor over whether knee replacement would be beneficial. Essentially, this shows that being on the same page with your doctor can be very important -- possibly even affecting surgical outcomes.
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Thursday January 8, 2009
The first day you experience
arthritis pain, you immediately wonder if it will ever go away. You become instantly afraid that you are facing a life filled with unrelenting pain. Arthritis pain is chronic, which is defined as pain that will last 6 months or more. Constant pain is ever-present and never goes away. Technically-speaking, chronic pain is not necessarily constant pain, but in some situations it can be.
For arthritis patients -- is the fear of living in constant pain legitimate? There are over 100 types of arthritis -- and osteoarthritis is the most common type. Does it make a difference what type of arthritis you have, in terms of whether the pain will be constant or come and go? Learn more about arthritis pain in Do Arthritis Patients Live With Constant Pain?
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