There was a time when surgery was the primary treatment option for patients with arthritis, but now there are several cutting edge treatments available for arthritis. Modern techniques such as arthroscopic joint preservation are now being performed, in order to delay the progression of diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints and is characterized by swelling, pain, and reduced mobility of the joint. Osteoarthritis is one of the most severe forms of arthritis, and is the result of the wear and tear of the articular cartilage.
Joint replacement surgery is usually recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis, but it is not the ideal solution for everyone. As a result, joint preservation surgery has become a popular alternative in recent years, with arthroscopic joint preservation being the most common form.
Arthroscopic Joint Preservation
The aim of joint preservation surgery is to retain the normal anatomy of the joint, without removing any of the structures that the joint needs to function optimally. Arthroscopy involves the use of small instruments to view inside a patient’s joints, thereby assisting with the diagnosis and treatment.
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed on the knee, hip, shoulders, elbow, and other joints. The procedure is increasingly being used to correct articular damage, especially in younger, active patients, in a bid to preserve joint function. With this type of early intervention they can to continue to enjoy their active lifestyle, and avoid the need for restorative surgery in the future.
If you are interested in finding out more about cutting edge treatment options for arthritis, contact orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank McCormick in Florida. Call 866-956-3837 today and schedule an appointment with Dr. McCormick. He has offices in Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Doral.