Joint problems in young patients

Joint problems in Young patients
Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam
MS Orth, DNB Orth, FRCS, M.Ch Orth
Consultant Orthopedic surgeon, Chennai, India
www.kneeindia.com
A few years ago, it was the common perception that joint problems were a problem of old age and young
were spared. This is far from the truth today and in years to come. Orthopedic surgeons are seeing
increasing numbers of young patients with end stage arthritis proceeding to Joint replacement.

Take the case of thirty eight year old Radhika from Bangalore. Both her knees are worn out from
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects older people but young patients with certain risk factors,
injury or a genetic pre disposition can get it much earlier. She is going to require knee replacements soon.
Another example is Safia from Mangalore who at the age of forty five has already had bilateral Oxinium
knee replacements done. Her main contributory risk factor was obesity.
Arthritis refers to any affection of a joint leading to swelling, pain, noise, and restriction of movements.
World arthritis day is commemorated each year on October 12th to raise awareness of joint problems. This
year’s theme is “Let us work together”.
Conditions leading to end stage arthritis in the young are rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic
arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, post infective arthritis, hemophilic arthritis and osteoarthritis in
the genetically prone young patient. The end result is a breakdown of articular cartilage, the
natural shock absorber.

Increasing incidence of joint problems amongst the young has led to a commiserate increase in
demand for intervention as the young are not content with resting at home or taking medicines.
This population of so called “baby boomers” wants to enjoy life to the hilt & be able to earn their
living.

Early diagnostic radiologic methods like MRI can pick up disease in its earlier phase. Laboratory
diagnosis of ‘Rheumatoid arthritis a debilitating disease is also possible with blood tests.
Early diagnosis enables surgeons to offer newer methods of treatment and perhaps even nip the
disease in its bud. Disease modifying drugs, stem cell therapy, advances in joint replacement are
examples of advances.

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Cartilage surgery is a method of biological treatment. Damaged articular cartilage is repaired or
regenerated. Autologous chondrocyte implantation an established technique has been introduced
in India in its latest technological advance. This fourth generation cartilage regeneration
technique is invaluable for treating lesions in high demand patients like athletes.
Joint replacements also have got a boost in the last two years. Earlier Joint replacement had a
survivorship of ten to fifteen years. A young patient in need of a Joint replacement was certain to
need a revision surgery later on. This requirement is now mitigated with the availability of
implants made of durable materials like Oxinium. Oxinium is a metal substrate with a ceramic
coating. Oxinium knees & hip implants offer longevity, low friction and non allergenicity.

Madras Joint Replacement center is dedicated to restoring mobility & flexibility.
E mail- drvenkat@kneeindia.com

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