Medical News Today

What is knee replacement surgery? What is knee arthroplasty?

Replacement surgery in a damaged knee joint by placing an artificial prosthesis will alleviate pain and help better movement of the knee.

For most patients, a replacement knee surgical procedure will last for at least 15 to 20 years, especially if cared for properly and not put under too much strain. More than 90% of people who have total knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic decrease in knee pain and a significant improvement in their ability to perform common activities of daily living.

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Tart cherries may help millions reduce inflammation to manage pain, according to new research

Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating joint pain and arthritis, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ACSM) in San Francisco, Calif.1 In fact, the researchers suggest tart cherries have the "highest anti-inflammatory content of any food" and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease.

Along with providing the fruit's bright red color, the antioxidant compounds in tart cherries - called anthocyanins - have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation, at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications.

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Autograft hip reconstruction provides good outcomes for athletes

A common, painful hip condition in elite athletes may be able to be repaired with an improved surgical technique, according to researchers presenting their work at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. 
"In our review of 21 male, elite athletes who had hip pain and instability issues (hypoplastic or labrum tear), 81 percent returned to play at a similar level as before they were hurt, after receiving an arthroscopic reconstruction technique using an ipsilateral iliotibial band autograft," said research author, Marc J. Philippon, MD, of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado.

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Understanding a patient's mental health status before hip replacement surgery may improve education and care

Patients taking antidepressants up to three years prior to undergoing a total hip replacement (THR) were more likely to report greater pain before and after surgery and less satisfaction with their procedure, according to new research presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

According to the investigators, a patient's mental health status should be assessed prior to surgery and taken into consideration during post-operative care.

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