Degenerative Knee and Hip Diseases

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Getting to Know Knee and Hip Joints: Preventing Degenerative Diseases

Hip Joint:

The hip joint is the largest joint in the human body, often referred to as the “ball-and-socket joint.” A healthy hip joint consists of bones connected by tendons or ligaments, and these ligaments are lubricated with fluid to reduce friction. The joint is also surrounded by soft, supportive tissues to prevent bones from rubbing against each other.

Knee Joint:

This joint connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, allowing for bending of the leg. It plays a crucial role in regular activities and is significant for both the general population and athletes. Knee pain can be severe, hindering walking and normal activities, making it necessary to seek medical attention.

Degenerative Knee and Hip Diseases: The Role of Hip Joints

The hip joint bears the body’s weight and is susceptible to wear and tear, leading to a condition known as “hip osteoarthritis.” This type of arthritis results from the gradual deterioration of the cartilage covering the joint surfaces, causing pain and stiffness, ultimately affecting mobility.

Symptoms and Risk Factors for Hip and Knee Degeneration

In the early stages of hip osteoarthritis, individuals may experience pain and stiffness during movement. Advanced cases can lead to chronic hip pain, especially when walking, and discomfort while lying down. Recognizing the following symptoms can help identify potential issues:

Pain in the groin or front of the thigh
Difficulty moving the hip joint, with relief when resting
Weakened leg muscles due to the compromised control of the hip joint
Inflammation and bone spurs around the hip joint
Intense pain if the supporting bone under the cartilage is lost, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and reduced leg length.

Knee Osteoarthritis: Shared Characteristics with Hip Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis presents similar symptoms, starting with tolerable pain that gradually intensifies. Symptoms include:

Knee pain while walking or climbing stairs, with some experiencing night time discomfort.
Swelling and limited knee joint movement, leading to stiffness and difficulty bending.
A feeling of tightness in the knee, accompanied by joint locking and reduced flexibility.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hip and Knee Replacement

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), also known as in Thai, is a surgical technique that involves using cameras to perform surgery through small incisions. The procedure begins by creating small incisions in the targeted area, followed by the insertion of a camera and surgical tools to perform the necessary surgery. The incisions are small, and minimal muscle tissue is cut, resulting in reduced pain and less blood loss compared to traditional open surgeries. This approach facilitates quicker postoperative recovery, making it a viable alternative for hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Hip and Knee Replacement: What Is It?

For patients experiencing severe hip and knee joint degeneration, hip and knee replacement surgeries become a viable solution. This involves removing the damaged joints and replacing them with artificial joints. The benefits include reduced pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to normal mobility compared to traditional open surgeries.

How Long Do Artificial Joints Last?

The lifespan of artificial joints depends on various factors, such as the absence of complications during surgery, proper positioning of the joint, and appropriate patient usage. Artificial hips consist of three parts: the acetabular component, the femoral head, and the part that replaces the soft bone. The longevity of new-generation artificial joints has increased due to improved design, better materials, and larger head sizes that reduce the risk of dislocation. It is essential to choose high-quality artificial joints for optimal durability.

Statistics indicate that 2-5% of knee replacements may fail within ten years, while 80% can last more than 20 years. Factors influencing the longevity of knee replacements include patient activity, the surgeon’s expertise, and the type of knee replacement used.

Maintaining Joint Health for Longevity

Regardless of whether one undergoes hip or knee replacement surgery, weight management plays a crucial role. Achieving and maintaining a standard weight is essential for balanced body weight distribution and preventing accelerated joint degeneration. Lifestyle habits, such as avoiding excessive strain, careful movements, and regular health check-ups, contribute to improved overall health and longevity of joint replacements.

Conclusion

Whether dealing with knee or hip joint issues or having undergone joint replacement surgeries, weight control remains a critical factor for maintaining joint health. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, avoiding overexertion, and undergoing regular health check-ups contribute to an improved quality of life and robust physical health.