As of: January 30, 2024, 11:29 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Osteoarthritis is primarily manifested by painful hip and knee joints.
If conservative measures no longer help, experts rely on two different operations.
According to the
German Rheumatism League Bundesverband e.
V.
is a disease that irreversibly damages the articular cartilage.
In addition, changes occur in the underlying bone.
This damage often develops when joints are subjected to excessive and long-term stress.
Theoretically, all joints in the body can become diseased, with the finger joints being most commonly affected.
The effects of osteoarthritis are particularly limiting for hip or knee joints.
If osteoarthritis in the relevant joints is not treated, over time every movement can become painful.
Early therapy is crucial to maintain and improve joint mobility.
In some cases, a lot can be achieved by changing your diet, for example by reducing low-sugar foods and diet or drastically reducing meat consumption.
If conservative treatment methods such as orthopedic aids, such as bandages, insoles and walking aids, any necessary weight loss, taking pain medication and physiotherapeutic or physical measures no longer provide relief, surgery is the next possible and most promising option.
“If the suffering is significant, such as night and constant pain, and the affected person can no longer participate in active life, surgical options should be considered,” says Prof. Dr.
Hans-Georg Palm, director of the Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Ingolstadt Clinic, which specializes in muscle, bone and joint diseases.
Treating osteoarthritis: For whom surgery makes sense
Prof. Dr.
Hans-Georg Palm, director of the Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Ingolstadt Clinic, specializes in muscle, bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
© Prof. Dr.
Hans-Georg Palm/Ingolstadt Hospital
In order to assess which type of operation is most suitable for a particular patient, personal advice from a specialist is important.
The causes and appearance of osteoarthritis are varied.
“Patients who have secondary illnesses and are therefore at higher risk of complications in particular benefit from treatment in larger centers,” explains Prof. Palm in an exclusive interview with IPPEN.MEDIA.
A basic distinction is made between joint-preserving operations, such as joint endoscopy or surgical adjustment of the leg axis, and an artificial joint replacement (endoprosthesis).
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Relieving osteoarthritis pain: How effective surgery is in the long term
“Artificial joint replacement is one of the most frequently performed operations in Germany.
With a high success rate, this surgical method provides pain relief and mobility - and that also explains the numerous applications.
Joint replacement enables patients to experience significant pain relief, improvement in quality of life, mobility and resilience and thus increased enjoyment of life over the years,” explains Dr.
Markus Peyerl told Ippen, head of the “Orthopedic Surgery and Endoprosthetics” department at the Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Ingolstadt Clinic.
Due to the use of modern modular implants and surgical procedures, an artificial joint replacement can last 15 to 20 years.
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Dr.
Markus Peyerl, head of the “Orthopedic Surgery and Endoprosthetics” department at the Center for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Ingolstadt Clinic, has been carrying out joint replacement procedures for many years.
© Dr.
Markus Peyerl/Ingolstadt Clinic
After the surgical treatment, most of the patients can stand up with full weight on the day of the operation, or at the latest on the first postoperative day, and take a few steps with walking aids - under the supervision of specialist staff in order to minimize the risk of a fall.
When discharged, the patient is usually independently mobile.
Continuous outpatient or inpatient follow-up treatment can accelerate recovery and rehabilitation.
Treating osteoarthritis: risks and complications associated with surgery
Even though these operations, like all surgical procedures, are associated with risks and complications, Dr.
Peyerl's experience shows that endoprosthesis operations or joint replacement operations are generally safe and effective procedures.
“The nature and severity of the risks and complications can vary and depend on various factors, such as the patient's health or the type of surgical method chosen.
Possible risks and complications can include, for example, infections, bleeding, bone injuries, pain or even thrombosis, but these can be monitored closely and treated safely during hospital treatment.”
Individual factors such as patient age, previous illnesses or the severity of the osteoarthritis also always play a role in operations.
However, modern anesthesia procedures and surgical methods can now significantly reduce the risks, even in previously ill patients, and even severe osteoarthritis diseases can be successfully treated using individual implants.
Therapy for osteoarthritis: new surgical techniques or technologies
In the field of osteoarthritis, new developments and treatment options are constantly being researched.
These include minimally invasive surgical procedures or innovative endoprostheses made from 3D printers.
With a better understanding of the disease, other therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy also offer hope for treatment success in the near future.
“Those affected should note that many of these technologies and approaches are still in the development or research phase.
The introduction of new technologies into clinical practice requires extensive clinical studies and evaluations to ensure their safety and effectiveness,” states Dr.
Markus Peyerl as an outlook for the future in the field of osteoarthritis treatment.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.