Arthritis Management Beyond Medication: Exploring Surgical Options 
Are medications failing to relieve daily arthritis pain? If your pain is so severe that you are no longer able to get around, consider surgical options for a better quality of life. Advanced minimally invasive surgery can improve mobility and with great patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.
Look beyond pain medications and explore surgical options for arthritis management.
Total joint replacement: This is the go-to procedure for end-stage osteoarthritis. Most patients can have the procedure in the outpatient setting allowing them to return home on the same day as the surgery. Robotic technology can also be used to greatly improve the precision and accuracy of implant placement. The surgeon-controlled robotic arms translate the surgeon's movements into precise actions while filtering out errors in human hand movements.
Arthroscopy: This involves inserting a small camera and instruments through tiny keyhole incisions in the skin to examine and treat the joint. It can be used to remove loose fragments of cartilage or bone, smooth out rough surfaces, and repair torn ligaments or tendons. Arthroscopy is used to improve joint function and provide long-lasting pain relief.
Osteotomy: This is the cutting and reshaping of the bone to correct the alignment or angle of the joint. Osteotomy can help redistribute the weight and the pressure on the joint, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve joint stability. It is often used for knee or hip arthritis, especially in younger patients who want to preserve their joint and avoid joint replacement.
Cartilage Repair: This procedure uses natural substances from the body or synthetic materials to stimulate the healing and regeneration of cartilage. It helps to alleviate pain and delay or prevent the progression of arthritis, offering hope for improved mobility and quality of life.
Several research studies on joint replacement for arthritis reported 80-100%1 satisfaction in terms of functional improvement and joint pain relief. The sooner you start your treatment, the better your chances of preserving long-term joint health. Contact Dr. Jamali today to help you with your arthritis management.
Reference:
AUTHOR: Dr. Amir Jamali, founder of the Joint Preservation Institute, is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Northern California specializing in treatments for the knee, hip and shoulder.
