How is post-traumatic arthritis defined and what causes it?
"Arthritis" is defined as inflammation of a joint. The most common
cause is wearing out of joint surface cartilage (osteoarthritis).
Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by the wearing out of a joint
that has had any kind of physical injury. The injury could be from
sports, a vehicle accident, a fall, a military injury, or any other
source of physical trauma. Such injuries can damage the cartilage
and/or the bone, changing the mechanics of the joint and making it
wear out more quickly. The wearing-out process is accelerated by
continued injury and excess body weight.
What are the symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis?
The symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include joint pain,
swelling, fluid accumulation in the joint, and decreased tolerance
for walking, sports, stairs and other activities which stress the
joint.
How many people are affected and can post-traumatic
arthritis be prevented?
Post-traumatic arthritis causes about 12% of osteoarthritis of the
hip, knee, and ankle. This means that it affects about 5.6 million
people in the United States. Post-traumatic arthritis cannot be
prevented. It can be minimized by preventing injuries. If they
cannot be prevented, surgical treatment of the injuries to restore
the injured joint to as close to new condition as possible can
help. Maintaining as close as possible to normal body weight can
also help.
How is post-traumatic arthritis diagnosed?
When you come to your doctor for evaluation of joint pain, he or
she will ask you about the history of your problem. Questions will
include history of an injury, how and when the joint bothers you,
what makes the pain better, and what makes it worse. He or she will
ask you about your other medical history. Your doctor will perform
a physical examination. X-rays will likely be performed and a CT
scan, MRI, or other imaging studies may be ordered. Blood tests may
also be ordered.
How is post-traumatic arthritis treated?
Treatment for post-traumatic arthritis starts with weight loss, low
impact exercise and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the
joint, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs such as
Advil, Aleve, Lodine, Celebrex or one of many others) are often
recommended if you can take them. Arthritic joints can also be
injected with cortisone or substances called Hylamers which act
like artificial joint fluid. All of these measures are aimed at
making the joint more comfortable and functional. They do not cure
the arthritis.