Deformities - Injuries

Osteoarthitis of the hip and knee

Idiopathic osteoarthritis is a disease of unknown aetiology diagnosed in middle age, that affects some of the major joints of the lower limbs. It involves cartilage, synovial membrane, menisci, and articular surface of the bones at later stages.

Pain is characterized by short or long standing flare-ups and remission. Climbing the stairs and keeping an upright position are sometimes intolerable. Nocturnal pain is noted at late stages.

There are no drugs aiming at the cause. A lot of factors are on the market presumably halting or repairing the degenerative process, administered orally or intraarticularly. Their scientific value and superiority over long standing methods of treatment is questionable. Intermittent use of anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy are used with variable success.

When patient’s everyday life has been affected surgery is indicated. In selected cases in young adults with knee osteoarthritis, tibial osteotomy can be performed. In most cases total arthroplasty of various types is indicated both for hip and knee. Pain relief is dramatic and some improvement in motion is expected. Various types of anaesthesia are used. Patient is allowed partial weight bearing and is discharged after some days. There are 2 postoperative concerns regarding arthroplasties:

  1. Infections – acute or low-grade – requiring long standing intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement or exchange of implants
  2. Loosening of the implants due to wear of the articulated parts. This is usually detected many years after implantation and revision of the arthroplasty is indicated.
<p>Αμφοτεερόπλευρη ολική αρθροπλαστική ισχίου</p>

Αμφοτεερόπλευρη ολική αρθροπλαστική ισχίου

<p>Αμφοτερόπλευρη ολική αρθροπλαστική γόνατος</p>

Αμφοτερόπλευρη ολική αρθροπλαστική γόνατος

All pictures originate from Mr M. Tyllianakis personal file