Patient Education Series | Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment | Glen Wainen, MD

Surgical Options for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone within joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications are often effective in managing OA symptoms, some individuals may require surgical intervention to alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis aim to address the underlying joint damage, restore joint stability, and alleviate pain. These procedures are typically considered when conservative measures have failed to provide adequate relief or when joint damage is severe. Surgical interventions for osteoarthritis encompass a range of procedures tailored to the specific joint affected and the individual patient's needs.

One common surgical approach for osteoarthritis is arthroscopic surgery. In this minimally invasive procedure, small incisions are made in the joint area, and a thin, flexible instrument with a camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize the joint's interior. Through additional small incisions, surgical instruments are used to remove damaged tissue, smooth irregular surfaces, or repair cartilage defects. Arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints to address cartilage tears, remove loose bodies, or treat inflammation.

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a more extensive surgical intervention often recommended for severe osteoarthritis that significantly impairs joint function and quality of life. During joint replacement surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Total joint replacement is most commonly performed on weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee, but it can also be done on other joints like the shoulder or elbow. Joint replacement surgery aims to restore joint alignment, reduce pain, and improve mobility, enabling patients to resume daily activities with greater ease.

Another surgical option for osteoarthritis is osteotomy, which involves reshaping or realigning the bones around a damaged joint to alleviate pressure and improve joint function. Osteotomy is commonly performed on weight-bearing joints such as the knee to correct alignment issues and redistribute weight-bearing forces, thereby reducing pain and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. This procedure is often recommended for younger patients with early-stage osteoarthritis who are not yet candidates for joint replacement surgery.

In addition to these surgical interventions, other procedures such as joint fusion (arthrodesis) and joint debridement may be considered in select cases of osteoarthritis. Joint fusion involves surgically stabilizing a joint by fusing the adjacent bones together, typically performed in joints such as the ankle or wrist. Joint debridement, also known as joint lavage, entails flushing out debris and inflammatory substances from the joint space to alleviate pain and improve joint function, often performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures.

While surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis can provide significant relief and improve joint function, they also carry risks and require careful consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks. Patients considering surgical intervention for osteoarthritis should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to explore all available options, understand the expected outcomes and recovery process, and make informed decisions tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

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