Calcification, which is usually seen in advanced ages, occurs mostly in the load-bearing joints and wrists. In arthritis, which manifests itself with increased pain and limitation of movement, experts point out that the patient should be at an ideal weight. The durability of prostheses used in the treatment of arthritis and effective in improving the patient's quality of life is also affected by excess weight.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora shared information about arthritis and its treatment, which is mainly seen in advanced ages.
Pain occurs, limitation of movement occurs
Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora defined arthritis as "narrowing of the joint space, mostly seen in load-bearing joints and wrists, with increased pain and restriction of movement" and gave the following information about arthritis:
"Not everything is arthritis. Fluid increases and fluid accumulations that occur in load-bearing joints with certain strains, and reactions that occur reactively cannot be considered as arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition of narrowing of the joint space seen mostly in the load-bearing joints and wrists with increased pain and limitation of movement. Pain occurs with the increase in joint fluid due to loading and calcification with age. The narrowing of the joint space is realized by increasing pain and limitation of movement."
Walking distance shortens in arthritis
Stating that calcification consists of different stages, Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora said, "Calcification gradually leads to a shortening of walking distance and in the later stages, the pain it causes does not go away even at rest. The condition of arthritis varies according to the character of the pain, whether it is burning or stinging, its continuity, its relationship with movement, the patient's age, the patient's job, the patient's job, the level of sports, the level of activity, past traumas, and whether the patient has different diseases. The patient's history should be well investigated. The patient should be made to talk and listened to well. A good trust should be established between the patient and the doctor."
Causes of arthritis vary
Stating that the causes of arthritis vary, Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora said, "Causes should be sought according to age. Calcifications with signs of calcification at an early age can go down to a previous trauma, childhood diseases, rheumatic problems, systemic diseases, spinal problems and some tumoral conditions. The causes vary according to the patient's history."
Excess weight puts a burden on the joints
Stating that the load-bearing joints are the joints that carry the weight of the whole body on a very small surface, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora said, "In case of overweight, more load bearing occurs. Activity level and occupational activities are important in overweight, obese and severely obese patients. Activity level is a factor that accelerates the wear of joints. Prosthesis durability may be less in patients who cannot lose weight."
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora, who also mentioned what patients with prostheses should do about the problem of arthritis, warned, "In order to increase the durability of prostheses made to normalize daily life, excessive movements should be avoided and the limitations recommended by the doctor should be observed according to the reasons that differ according to the prosthesis construction and the place where it is worn."
In hip arthritis, the patient should lose weight first
Stating that the hip joint is one of the largest joints of the body, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora said, "The hip joint is one of the most important joints that provide quality of life with walking and movement. When there is calcification in the hip, before surgical treatment (before prosthesis insertion), if the patient is 60-75 years old and above, treatment methods can be tried by ensuring weight loss, applying drug treatments, treating the disease, using a cane, using a heel elevator and applying physical therapy. It varies according to the age and condition of the patient."
When is surgical intervention required?
Pointing out that surgical intervention is necessary if problems such as night pain, shortening of walking distance, pain after rest and decreased quality of life persist, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora said, "If the calcification condition has forced the patient to depend on others, if the age is appropriate, if the night pain is reflected in the daytime, if the bone structure is appropriate, prosthesis should be applied."
Joint calcifications are most common
Stating that there are many types of arthritis, Prof. Dr. Kerem Canbora said, "The most common is calcification in the joints that are loaded. In addition, with the deterioration of the joint in rheumatic diseases, the soft tissues around it may also be damaged. Weight, systematic diseases, spine and intestinal diseases can also affect. Since these diseases accompanying arthritis also affect the life of the prosthesis, they should be well investigated and treated according to the problem."
The prosthesis aims to bring joint movement close to normal
Stating that the main purpose of prostheses is to eliminate pain, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora said, "The prosthesis aims to make the movement of the joint close to normal. Knee prosthesis helps walking within two to three days. Reverse prosthesis is a form of biomechanical prosthesis designed to replace the muscles and designed due to the irreversible rupture of the muscles that allow us to move our shoulder and joint calcification. It helps to relieve pain and perform activities," he said.