Non Traumatic Joint Issues

Loose Bodies in Knee With Osteoarthritis – Xray

Loose bodies in knee may be found in osteoarthritis and represent a loose [unattached to any tissue] piece of bone or cartilage or any other foreign object.

Following xray belongs to 56 years old lady who complained of knee pain that aggravated with walking. Loose bodies are visible.

Loose Bodies In Knee Joint

Loose Bodies In Knee Joint

She was advised arthroscopic removal of the loose body.

Knee Braces Provide Relief From Osteoarthritis – Research

Researchers from University of Manchester have reported that use of knee braces in patients of osteoarthritis can reduce the pain from osteoarthritis specifically in the kneecap.

The study, conducted by Michael Callaghan and colleagues included 126 individuals between 40 and 70 years of age with osteoarthritis in their knees.

The finding has been  shared at osteoarthritis Research Society International meeting in Philadelphia tomorrow on Friday April 19.

[Read more...]

New Study Finds No Effect of Vitamin D on Knee Osteoarthritis

Contradicting previous studies, a new study has reported that vitamin D supplements have no effect on the pain of knee osteoarthritis.

The study by  McAlindon and colleagues has been published in Jan. 9 issue Journal of American Medical Association [JAMA]. It is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Previous epidemiologic studies had  hinted at slower disease progression among patients with higher vitamin D levels.

146 people with symptomatic knee OA were  enrolled  for the study s between March 2006 and June 2009. The patients were and randomly assigned to receive oral cholecalciferol or placebo.

A target serum level of more than 36 ng/mL was to achieved beginning with initial dose  2,000 IU/day and increasing the dose if required. [Read more...]

Depression In Rheumatoid Arthritis Increases Mortality

Depression may increase mortality in patients of rheumatoid arthritis, a new research findings presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. report.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, limitation of motion and loss of function of multiple joints.

The disease typically affects women twice as often as men.

Researchers used data collected from annual telephone surveys of 530 participants with RA who live in northern California to assess symptoms of depression and the potential impact of depression in this population. [Read more...]

People With Osteoarthritis Benefit From Hospital Based Exercise Programs

According to a new study, low-cost exercise program improves pain, function and quality of life in participants with osteoarthritis.

The study will be reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ACR/ARHP), to be held Nov. 9-14, in Washington D.C.

The new study showed that the weekly exercise programs significantly improved enjoyment of life and balance, and decreased pain and the severity and frequency of falls.

The study adds to the growing evidence that exercise is beneficial for osteoarthritis and shows that a hospital-based program can work.

Hospital For Special Surgery in New York launched its Osteoarthritis Wellness Initiative which included  educational component and exercise classes. [Read more...]

Physical Activity In Childhood Leads To Stronger Knees In Adulthood

More physical activity in childhood is linked to greater knee cartilage and tibial bone area in adulthood. This has been reported by a new research findings presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Breakdown of the cartilage leads to knee OA.  Obesity, age, prior injury to the knee, extreme stress to the joints, and family history are main risk factors of the osteoarthritis.

One in two people will have symptomatic knee arthritis by age 85.
[Read more...]

Vitamin D Deficiency Responsible For increased Knee Osteoarthritic Pain in Black Americans

A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism indicate that vitamin D deficiency may be one of many factors that account for increased pain in older black Americans with knee osteoarthritis.

Lifetime risk of developing knee osteoarthritis is roughly 46%.

Recent studies have confirmed many roles for vitamin D other than aiding in calcium absorption. It also has numerous other functions and decreased vitamin D levels reduce immunity and may contribute to diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Most vitamin D in humans comes from exposure to the sun. Vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/mL represent deficiency and levels between 21 and 29 ng/mL represent insufficiency. [Read more...]

Somkers have Poorer Outcomes After Knee Surgery Than Non Smokers

Bad effects of smoking are well documented in conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Fracture healing, wound repair, and bone mineral density are musculoskeletal conditions that have been reported to be adversely affected by smoking.

In a recent systematic review of multiple medical databases the effects of smoking on ligament and cartilage knee surgery were evaluated and it was found that smoking adversely affects the outcome.

[Read more...]

Xray showing big Osteophyte On Lower Pole of Patella

A 55 years old patient came with complaint of knee pain.

Osteophyte Along Patellar Tendon

Osteophyte Along Patellar Tendon

Xray done revealed a big osteophyte on lower aspect of patella along patellar tendon.

What Is Ulnar Translocation

Ulnar translocation results from ulnar migration of the carpus along ulnar inclination of the distal radius.

There are two types of ulnar translocations

Type I – Complete ulnar translocation of the carpus, sparing the scaphoid which maintains its normal elation to the carpus.
Type II – Associated with scapholunate dissociation, lunotriquetral dissociation and other forms of perilunate disability.

Causes

This pattern of instability has been well recognized in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as a result of articular erosions and attenuation of wrist ligaments. [Read more...]