Is there any link between having osteoporosis and knee osteoarthritis?

May 9th — admin

Is there any link between having osteoporosis and knee osteoarthritis? I’ve just been told I have osteoporosis. My mother had knee arthritis pretty bad. I don’t know if she had osteoporosis. I was wondering if there’s some kind of genetic connection.

Genetics may very well be a part of developing either osteoporosis (brittle bones) or osteoarthritis (OA). And there may be a link between osteoporosis and OA. It isn’t clear yet if there is a genetic link here.

The relationship between OA and osteoporosis may surprise you. Some studies show that women with low bone mass from osteoporosis may be less likely to have OA. But once OA is found, a higher bone mass density (no osteoporosis) means a milder case of OA. Just what all this means and what the actual connections are between OA and osteoporosis remains unclear.

One important risk factor for knee OA (such as your mother had) is a previous knee injury. Men and women are both more likely to develop knee OA after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. And women are twice as likely to develop an ACL injury compared with men.

All in all, it looks like osteoporosis may have a protective effect. It may actually prevent OA from developing. Scientists are studying this phenomenon carefully. It’s possible they may discover something that could help prevent either or both of these conditions.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Will taking Fosamax interfere with my new hip?

April 10th — admin

I’m going to have a new hip joint put in. I have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I’m taking Fosamax for the osteoporosis. Will this interfere with my new hip?

It shouldn’t. Many studies on animals and humans have confirmed that Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug, helps build up bone. It’s used most often for patients with osteoporosis. But it may have some good uses for patients getting joint replacements.

Early studies on animals show that bisphosphonates used before and after joint surgery can build up and sustain bone growth. Improving bone mineral density helps stabilize the joint and prevent implant loosening.

It’s not clear yet just how this works or how much of the drug is needed. More studies are needed to gauge how long the effects will last. For right now it looks like there’s a good chance that bisphosphonates will extend the life of joint replacements.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Is joint replacement surgery after bone cancer extremely risky?

February 27th — admin

My husband had bone cancer several years ago, which seems to be under control. Now he needs a knee replacement. His oncologist wants him to go to a specialty orthopedic hospital for the surgery. Is this really necessary?

Some medical conditions put patients at a higher risk for complications after surgery. A previous history of cancer affecting the bone or previous joint replacement surgery are two common examples.

Older adults with serious bone fractures may also be advised to seek the services of a surgeon in a specialty clinic. Complicating factors such as osteoporosis or poor nutrition may be present. Or infection or diabetes may require extra care.

In a specialty clinic or hospital, the staff is trained to work with at-risk or high-risk patients. They have steps already worked out to deal with typical emergencies that might come up. And if they cannot handle the problem, they know when to transfer the patient to a more acute care setting.

Specialty clinics are fairly new. Studies to compare them to general hospitals are just beginning to get published. Based on large groups of Medicare patients, it looks like specialty hospitals do perform better than general hospitals. This is especially true for specific patient groups.

The risk of adverse outcomes including death are 50 per cent lower in specialty orthopedic hospitals. Specialty hospitals may deliver better care but there may be other interpretations of those outcomes. More study is needed to sort this all out.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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At what age should one get a cemented hip replacement?

January 10th — admin

My doctor told me that hip replacements can be put in with or without cement. Evidently I’m young enough to have an uncemented one. How old do you have to be for the cemented hip?

Age may be a factor in whether the surgeon uses cement or not, but the real issue is bone density. Older adults are more likely to have decreased bone mineral density. A cemented implant may be needed for patients with osteoporosis or brittle bones. The cement helps hold the implant in place when the bone grows around it is very slow.

Younger, active adults with good bone density do well with uncemented implants. In fact studies show that uncemented stems in the femoral component are less likely to loosen in the second decade. As a younger adult, the survival advantage of the uncemented total hip replacement will be to your advantage.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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How can my grandma break her hip on the side with her hip replacement?

December 31st — admin

My 90-year old grandma just broke her hip. She has a total hip replacement on that side, so how can she break a hip?

She may have what’s called a periprosthetic fracture of the femur. The femur is the thighbone. Periprosthetic means the fracture is in the bone next to the implant. The fracture is probably just below the implant and close enough to the hip to be generally referred to as a hip fracture.

Sometimes joint implants crack or fracture but these cases are usually referred to as implant failure rather than hip fracture. Fracture of the femur is not uncommon in patients with either a hip or a knee joint replacement.

Advancing age puts the older adult at risk for bone fracture. Many of the problems that come with aging are also risk factors for fracture. Other age-related risk factors include osteoporosis, diabetes, and arthritis. Anyone who is already experiencing problems with balance and falling is also at risk for bone fracture. Medications such as corticosteroids can weaken the muscles and bones putting patients at increased risk for falls as well.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Will my osteoporosis and osteoarthritis affect my new hip replacement?

November 19th — admin

I’m going to have a new hip joint put in. I have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I’m taking Fosamax for the osteoporosis. Will this interfere with my new hip?

It shouldn’t. Many studies on animals and humans have confirmed that Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug, helps build up bone. It’s used most often for patients with osteoporosis. But it may have some good uses for patients getting joint replacements.

Early studies on animals show that bisphosphonates used before and after joint surgery can build up and sustain bone growth. Improving bone mineral density helps stabilize the joint and prevent implant loosening.

It’s not clear yet just how this works or how much of the drug is needed. More studies are needed to gauge how long the effects will last. For right now it looks like there’s a good chance that bisphosphonates will extend the life of joint replacements.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

Medically speaking, what do baby boomers have to look forward to?

October 12th — admin

Watching the baby boomers become senior citizens is on all the news. I’m one myself. Besides heart disease, diabetes, and dementia what else do we have to look forward to?

Osteoporosis and hip fractures rank right up at the top. Experts predict the number of hip fractures per year will keep going up and up as the Baby Boomers age. Anyone born between 1946 and 1964 is a Baby Boomer so this trend is likely to continue a long time.

It’s already big business now. Hip fractures alone cost about eight billion dollars per year in the United States. Surgery, hospital costs, and nursing care are just the start. Half of all adults with a hip fracture can no longer walk alone. One-third becomes totally dependent in a nursing home.

Doctors and health care professionals are working hard to get the word out to help aging adults prevent falls and fractures. For more information on how to prevent osteoporosis and fractures contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation (http://www.nof.org) or the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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After 1 year, could recent thigh pain be caused by my hip replacement?

September 20th — admin

About a year ago I had a total hip replacement. My hip pain is much better but now I’m starting to have pain along the front of my groin and thigh. Could this be from the new joint?

There are many possible causes for thigh pain. The joint replacement is certainly one. But both systemic and musculoskeletal problems can refer pain to the anterior thigh. For example, throbbing pain can be a sign of a vascular problem. Atherosclerosis in the blood vessels of your legs can limit the blood supply causing pain.

Other systemic causes of anterior thigh pain include kidney stones, tumors, abscess, diabetes, and chronic use of alcohol. Less often, thigh pain may be the first symptom of an inguinal hernia.

On the musculoskeletal side, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can cause anterior thigh pain. So can fractures or stress reactions from osteoporosis, sacroiliac joint problems, and nerve compression.

A medical doctor will need to examine you to diagnose the cause. An X-ray will be taken to check the status of your implant. The type of pain and its location will help the physician find the cause.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

What health problems affect a total hip replacement?

September 4th — admin

I’ve been told that people in good health have a better chance of coming out of surgery without problems. I’m planning to have a total hip replacement. I think I’m in pretty good shape. What kinds of health problems should I be concerned about?

Tobacco use and previous history of thromboembolism (blood clots) top the list of concerns. These two combined with any of the following increase your risk of surgical complications:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • History of heart disease or previous heart attack
  • Osteoporosis (risk for orthopedic surgery)

    • Your doctor may have other risk factors in mind. Be sure and ask him or her to go over your particular health history. You may bring to his or her attention areas that haven’t been considered before.

    On the other hand, if you have no risk factors, your surgeon may be able to calm your fears.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

    Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »

    Why do doctors say that my elderly father can’t live alone after hip surgery?

    August 7th — admin

    My 90-year old father slipped on some ice and fell. He broke his hip in two places. The doctors don’t think he will be able to live independently again. How do they know this?

    Studies show that 50 percent of all elderly patients with hip fractures are unable to live on their own after treatment. Only a third of these patients regain their prefracture level of function. Patients with previous spinal fractures from osteoporosis have poorer results.

    The presence of dementia is also a risk factor for poor results. Rehab is more difficult when the patient has dementia. They are poorly motivated. They may be unable to understand the need to walk or do exercises. Many never finish the rehab program. Those who don’t regain their ability to walk end up in a wheelchair or bedridden.

    Despite these poor predictions, patients should be given every chance to recover as much as possible. A consistent approach and daily rehab focus can make a difference.

    For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

    Posted in Hips. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . No Comments »
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