Joint Replacement Stephanie Arrington

Joint Replacement  Research suggests that more than a million people a year are getting a total joint replacement.  More than half will be younger than 65.  Joint replacement are most typically an artificial hip or knee.

What is a joint?  A joint is formed by the ends of two or more bones that are connected by thick tissues.  Joints also contain a variety of fibrous connective tissue such as ligaments, which connect the bones together and tendons which connect muscle to bone and cartilage, which covers the ends of bones and provides some cushioning.

Joint  Each joint has cartilage and synovial fluid. Both plays an important part in having a healthy joint.

Arthritis  Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. It is the main reason a person would require a joint replacement.  The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.  There are two main types of arthritis.  Osteoarthritis  Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis  Which is a Degenerative joint disease.  Most common form of arthritis.  Is a condition that can affect any area of the body.  Osteoarthritis is usually caused by a gradual deterioration of cartilage in joint articular surfaces.

Osteoarthritis (cont.)  When joints lose this covering through degeneration, boney surfaces are unprotected.  The joint’s raw surfaces become rough, stiff, and inflamed.  Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve joint function.

Risk Factors: Osteoarthritis  Age - those over the age of 45 are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.  Gender- more likely in females.  Weight – excessive weight can apply undue pressure on joints.  Overuse – high-impact sports are strenuous occupations can exacerbate the deterioration of joints.

Symptoms: Osteoarthritis  Localized pain at the site of the arthritic joint  Pain that radiates along a nerve  Headaches  A feeling of stiffness or soreness  Fatigue

Impact of Occupational Performance  ADL’S  IADL’S  Work disability  Reduced ability to deal with household duties  Sleep disorders

Rheumatoid Arthritis  It is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the joint.  Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.  Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (cont.)  RA can last for years, some people can go long period of times where they do not experience symptoms.  In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes can affect other organs of the body — such as the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels.

Risk Factors: Rheumatoid Arthritis  Gender - women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men are.  Age - rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins between the ages of 30 and 60.  Family History - if a member of your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you may have an increased risk of the disease.

Symptoms: Rheumatoid Arthritis  Joint pain and swelling  Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods  Fatigue  Tender, warm, and swollen joints  Morning stiffness that may last for hours  Firm bumps of tissue under the skin  Malaise (feeling ill)  Loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss  Muscle aches

Impact on Occupational Performance  ADL’S  Leisure  Work  Self-Care  IADL’S  Taking care of household  Children

Joint Replacement Surgery  The arthritic joint parts are replaced by metal or plastic parts.  Hospital stay 3 to 4 days according to healing process.  Low complications

Although Rheumatic Diseases, such as Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are debilitating diseases, there are measures a person can take to get their life back to a functioning level.