Hip Joint Pain

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Spreads

Until now, the method of how the disease spreads from joint to joint was unknown. But a study in Nature Medicine suggests that cells called synovial fibroblasts may be to blame.

via WebMD Health on 11/9/09

Cells surrounding joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis may spread the disease to other joints by traveling through blood vessels, according to a new study.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin Not Recommended for Knee Arthritis

An interesting take on OTC glucosamine and chondroitin supplements - it may be an idea to consult your doctor.

via About Orthopedics on 11/2/09

According to the recently published guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), glucosamine and chondroitin should not be prescribed for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are nutritional supplements that are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and health food stores. The supplements have been thought to help stimulate cartilage healing and repair in patients with osteoarthritis.

The recommendations from the AAOS cite six randomized clinical trials that have investigated the use of these nutritional supplements, either alone or combined, that found no significant clinical benefit when compared to placebo. While no harmful effects of these nutritional supplements were noted, the AAOS advises that these supplements not be used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.


Sources:

Richmond, JC "AAOS adopts clinical practice guidelines on OA Knee" American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2009.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin Not Recommended for Knee Arthritis originally appeared on About.com Orthopedics on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 20:49:17.

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Will Your Joint Replacement Last?

via About Orthopedics on 10/5/09

Everyone who has joint replacement surgery knows the implant can wear out over time. But sometimes implants wear out more quickly than expected. In fact, some implants have design flaws that cause them to wear out even quicker than anticipated.

Unfortunately, we often are not aware of these design flaws until many patients have had problems. One of the reasons could be the lack of a national reporting system when problems are encountered. Joint registry databases are common in some countries, but not in the United States. Critic point out that having a database could prevent the implanting of bad joint replacements by allowing doctors to know as soon as possible when a problem occurs.

Should the U.S. have a National Joint Replacement Registry? Leave your comments!

Related: What is the best hip replacement implant? | Or best knee replacement implant?


Image © Medical Multimedia Group

Will Your Joint Replacement Last? originally appeared on About.com Orthopedics on Monday, October 5th, 2009 at 07:40:03.

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