Osteoarthritis is extremely common in aging adults, and is the most common form of arthritis. Per the name, this form is characterized by damage to almost any joint in the body, and subsequent bony growths as the joint tries to stabilize itself. These growths are called “bone spurs,” and as the name suggests, can produce pain of the affected area.
The most common locations of osteoarthritis include the knees, hips, and spine, but will also regularly present in the hands; especially in patients with more manually demanding lifestyles. Diagnosis is typically made by x-ray, and can be identified even before patients experience symptoms of this disease.
Osteoarthritis is extremely common in aging adults, and is the most common form of arthritis. Per the name, this form is characterized by damage to almost any joint in the body, and subsequent bony growths as the joint tries to stabilize itself. These growths are called “bone spurs,” and as the name suggests, can produce pain of the affected area.
The most common locations of osteoarthritis include the knees, hips, and spine, but will also regularly present in the hands; especially in patients with more manually demanding lifestyles. Diagnosis is typically made by x-ray, and can be identified even before patients experience symptoms of this disease.
NSAID pain relievers are typically the primary course of management for pain associated with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids are usually not recommended, but less potent options may be used in some cases. Therapeutic injections may also be considered, such as steroids and hyaluronic acid injections. These can take some time to see the effects, but should provide lasting relief. Additional braces or supports may also be used to help reduce the impact of daily life on a patient’s skeletal system. In cases where these options prove inadequate, a severely arthritic joint may be a candidate for arthroplasty or joint-replacement. These are commonly performed for the hips and knees, and generally have a good prognosis.
NSAID pain relievers are typically the primary course of management for pain associated with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids are usually not recommended, but less potent options may be used in some cases. Therapeutic injections may also be considered, such as steroids and hyaluronic acid injections. These can take some time to see the effects, but should provide lasting relief. Additional braces or supports may also be used to help reduce the impact of daily life on a patient’s skeletal system. In cases where these options prove inadequate, a severely arthritic joint may be a candidate for arthroplasty or joint-replacement. These are commonly performed for the hips and knees, and generally have a good prognosis.
In most cases, x-rays will be satisfactory to determine if a person has osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can usually be diagnosed by x-ray even in patients with little symptomatic presentation.
In most cases, x-rays will be satisfactory to determine if a person has osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can usually be diagnosed by x-ray even in patients with little symptomatic presentation.
DAY OF SURGERY INFORMATION
Drive to the South parking garage. Free Valet parking is available during business hours. If you self-park, take the elevator from the garage to the first floor to enter the main hospital lobby. Wheelchairs are available if needed. Take the D elevator to the 2nd floor. Proceed to the Surgical and Endoscopy Check-In Desk. Here you and your family will be checked in and escorted to the Pre-op Area to be prepared for surgery. Up to two family members may wait with you until you are taken to surgery. Your family may then wait in the Surgical Waiting room until notified by the surgeon that the surgery has been completed. A receptionist will take down contact information so that your family may be easily reached to speak with Dr. Paul. Complimentary coffee is available for your family while in the Surgical Waiting room. The cafeteria and gift shop are on the ground floor in the North area of the hospital and the coffee shop is in the South area of the hospital for your family’s convenience.
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In the preoperative room you will be prepared for surgery. The team will be checking your vital signs, starting your IV, validating your medications, health history, lab results and any follow up for additional testing needed. At this time, they will obtain your consent for surgery and answer any questions you may still have. Your anesthesiologist will see you and your family prior to your surgery. Dr. Paul, Adam or Kevin will mark your surgical site. You will be escorted to the operating room by cart. Your family can wait in the surgical waiting room. Dr. Paul will call them when surgery is completed. If he can not reach them, he will leave a message with the Patient Liaison. Following surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will recover for an hour or more. During this time, pain and nausea control will be established and your vital signs will be monitored frequently.