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Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Will I need surgery for osteoarthritis?

Most people will never need surgery for osteoarthritis, but if you have severe joint damage, extreme pain that isn’t helped by other treatments, or very limited motion as a result of the condition, osteoarthritis surgery may be necessary.

Surgery for osteoarthritis can provide several benefits, including the following:

Improved movement: If the constant wearing away of cartilage makes it difficult for you to move, making it difficult to you to get around and stay independent, replacing the damaged joint with a synthetic one can allow you to continue activities that you enjoy.

Pain relief: If osteoarthritis causes severe, constant pain that isn’t relieved by treatments such as medications, exercise or physical therapy, surgically replacing the painful joint or removing loose growths that are causing pain, for example, can relieve pain.

Improved joint alignment: In some cases, osteoarthritis can cause the joint to become maligned so that it no longer functions as it should and looks unusual. In the knees, surgery can correct or improve this misalignment. But appearance should not be the main reason for having surgery for osteoarthritis; improved appearance should be considered a bonus after osteoarthritis surgery improves movement and relieves pain.

LindaC

18 May 2012, 10:48

I've just completed my 15th surgery 10 of which were osteo-arthritis. I'm healing from a TKR, had 2 shoulder replacements as well as artho-scopic surgery onn both. I have carpal tunnel in both hands for which I've had surgery and had 2 surgeries on my left foot. Also along the way I've lost my thyroid and 3 parathyroid glands which causes a variety of problems and my gall bladder. Celebrex caused my ulcers and a combination of meds led to cataracts. I also have fibro. At least what I have is treatable. I'm on Vicodins, Ambien, Prozac,Calcitriol, Armour, Flexiril, Vit D, Folbic tabs,Prilosec. My quality of life has been very bad the last 6 yrs. I do what I can when I can and keep positive. There is always someone worse off than you. I'm thankful my blood pressure,& cholesterol are good. No diabetes. Just take one day at a time keep positive. There is alot of info on this site thats very helpful.

Linda

Henry

18 May 2012, 07:39

Oh and DUE YOUR RESEARCH on your doctor find the doctor whose specialty is that joint and only that joint. Would you want a mechanic who has worked your model car once or one who does it all day long all year long.

Henry

18 May 2012, 07:35

I was born with congenital osteoarthritis. Having never walked correctly or never had the experience of not being in pain I have found life difficult, confusing and frustrating. Many do not see me as "disabled" since I am not in a wheelchair though I have been at times.

One month ago I had my fourth joint replacement my right shoulder. I have two hips done at the same time, right knee, right shoulder and too many arthroscopic surgeries to count. In total 11 major surgeries probable 15 or with the arthroscopic.

My back became so bad where the spinal cord enters the pelvic bone they had to go in and scrape it out. My spine has broken off in three places due to the arthritis.

I say to all out there do not live in pain. Joint replacements are definitely worth it. Watch the medications I've been on Ibuprofen sometimes at 3,200mgs per day. Always take it with food. Try all the medications till you find one that works, and if you can't live with the pain demand Percocet or Oxycontin you will be amazed at how well life will be.

God bless, take care and may you find peace.

Judy

18 May 2012, 01:37

I have OA and inflammatory arthritis, as well as fibromyalgia. I've had a great deal of surgery because of pain, and I don't regret any of it. I've had partial replacements on both knees, and several years later, a full knee replacement on one. I had a complex spine surgery 1.5 years ago, with decompression and fusion, and I feel like I've been given a wonderful gift. I have virtually no low back pain for the first time in 35 years. Three years ago I began having shoulder pain that woke me 2-3 times every night. It took me 9 months to convince my doctors that the pain was significant, so they finally ordered an MRI, which showed a full tear in the rotator cuff. There had not been an athletic accident or incident, and I was always able to put my arms above my head. After the rotator cuff repair, my surgeon said there were bone spurs in the area, which he cleaned out, and he believed they were responsible for the tear. I sailed through all these surgeries and recovered quickly.

At the end of last year, I had surgery on one heel to clean out bone spurs and fibrous tissue, because the pain and swelling was disabling. Unfortunately I had to have 2 more surgeries on the same heel, plus two infections, first with Staph aureus, the second with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I've been on 2-3 antibiotics (one IV for 2.5 months, two others oral)for 5 months, and am looking forward to being finished with that. But the good news is, five months later, the heel is healing well, and the pain is drastically reduced. I'll have to have surgery on the other heel in a few months for the same problem. So other than the ordeal with the heel, I've had an easy time with the surgeries. I'm 70 and I've been retired for 6 years, but I had to have 2 knee surgeries while I was still working.

I take one Celebrex daily, and was on Plaquenil and sulfasalazine, but discontinued them because I was having problems with food and wine tasting so strangely. I'm still not sure if one of them was the culprit, and want to go on without them until I can really determine that. I have had significantly more pain since discontinuing these 2 drugs, especially in my neck. I've wondered about exploring the possibility of acupuncture for the neck pain. The next drug my rheumatologist would prescribe would be methotrexate, and I really don't like the idea of being immunosuppressed.

Cecilia

17 May 2012, 20:12

I was diagnosed with OA at age 46. Some time later my hands became swollen and knobby which Dr. said was RA. Now in my 60's I have taken many medications, cortizone shots, knee arthroscopy & finally knee replacement 3 years ago. My shoulder became arthritic, and 8 weeks ago, my surgeon did a total shoulder replacement. I DO NOT regret for one minute doing these surgeries... the pain has stopped, thankfully. I do water aerobics and strengthening in a gym therapy pool.

My meds are Celebrex in combination with Plaquenil. I'd be lost without them. Unfortunately, I can't take any RA meds since I had Polio as a child.

Linda

09 May 2012, 19:59

I have OA in both thumbs. I have been taking cymbalta for 3 weeks now and I had significant improvement in pain within a week. My thumbs no longer constantly ache. I do not take any pain medications. The cymbalta has worked better for me than any other medication. I hope this helps someone out there considering the cymbalta alternative. My thumbs use to hurt so much, I even consulted a thumb surgeon. Thank goodness for cymbalta.

Naz Perveen

07 May 2012, 14:25

Hi,

I am 54 years old and weighs 200lbs... I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both of my knees. I dont really know the reason for my weight since i dont eat too much. The doctors say to reduce weight ,i am trying. But is this the only solution? I regularly take medicines but the effect is just temporary. Doctors ask me to have knee joint replacement but when i asked to some of the patients who already have gone through the surgery, they say that the surgery has not provided any relief to them.

Confused.

Diana silva

24 Apr 2012, 21:53

I was diagnosed with osteo a little over a year ago, just woke up one day with my middle finger swollen, I was told there was no treatment to bring down the swelling now little bump is growing on top my other bone... would therapy be any good to bring down swelling? or surgery. Really concerned about loosing movement on my finger?

Julie Gates

23 Apr 2012, 16:42

Re; Lydia! To your question about taking Hydro/Acetm Tab 5-500, In low doses as your's there is a much lower risk of hurting your Liver. You really shouldn't take anything with Tylonal for a long period of time as it could cause damige to your liver. Please talk to your doctor about all your concerns. Have a list writen out to talk to him/her at your next visit. I hope ive helped! =)

Linda Wood

18 Apr 2012, 19:13

anne dodd
I had my Left knee replaced by the VA in 2010 at the age of 53. Replace any doc that tells you you are too young for knee replacement. The standard life of a knee replacement is not the 10-15 years they quote, that is a conservative clinical estimate. With good post-surgucal therapy, consistent exercise, weight control and a positive attitude they can last 20+ years.

16 Mar 2012, 15:55

Hello everyone.I have OA of both R and L basil thumb joints. I had a RT trapieziectomy with LTRI 6 months ago and have had constant pain since; much more than was anticipated 6 months post op. I have tried all of the standard OA meds.,including topical pain relievers, to no avail.I am now starting a trial of Cymbalta which my pain mgmt.physician recommended. Have any of you tried this med? If so, please share your experiences with me. Thank you.

Dr. Nettie Perry Adams

10 Mar 2012, 04:09

Hello,

I have Osteoarthritis in my left hand/thumbarea. In 2009 I was diagnosed with a Ganglion Cyst and had that removed. The pain/swelling continued in both hands/thumb areas. In 2010 I had Carpal Tunnel surgery on my left hand. Since 2009 until March 2012 I am experiencing lots of joint pains in my left thumb area, and right, but not as much. Lately, my bones are aching all over, especially my left knee and of course my left hand. I have had these mediciations: Structum for 3 mos., Lyrica for 2 mos and Glychosium?? drink for 30 days-along with B1 B6 and B12 vitamins. The last option before a temporary fix (Cortisone injection), is to have surgery. That will intell fusing a bone in my left thumb...also I have lots of built of scar tissue. I was told I would loose some mobility in my thumb. Of course I am very sorry to hear that. I am debating about the surgery, but I am in constant discomfort daily. I live in the Middle East and I have an Indian doctor. I do not know hwat to do?????
Please advise!

Thank you:)

sara

26 Jan 2012, 21:58

This message is to Diane, I hope you are still on here to see this. I am 23 years old. I have had two surgeries done on my right (dominate) thumb. My first doctor was an idiot and made the OA problem worse. I am now seeing a doctor from Standford in CA, Dr. Amy Ladd. Please make sure you get a HIGHLY qualified hand surgeon, I have regretted ever meeting my first doctor. Do your research on your doctor first and make sure they KNOW what they are doing, I don't want you to end up like me. Most people heal quickly from the type of surgery you will endure. Most people also get back their range of motion and their pain gone. If you have any questions I do encourage you to email me. If you message back on here I will provide it to you.. Please find a good doctor who specializes in HANDS!!!!!! If you dont you may end up like me :( Good Luck...

diane mertz

22 Jan 2012, 10:10

Hi. I had a cervical fusion done in 2003; to relieve a pinched nerve which gave me constant pain and numbness shooting down my entire left arm. I had good results and have never regretted it. Now,2012, I will probably be getting a joint replacement in my right thumb soon so I will be able to turn lids, grasp items, and just have more strength in my hand. I'm only 58 and work in data entry so my fingers need to operate many years. If you know anyone who had this procedure please let me know how it turned out. thanks.

Yobeth

01 Oct 2011, 18:54

@ Joanna, I have arthritis in both thumbs as well. I had joint replacement surgery with a tendon transfer on my left thumb almost 2 years ago. It did relieve the joint pain & allows me to do a lot of things I was having difficulty with prior to surgery. I am delaying surgery on my other thumb as long as possible for many reasons. Following surgery my thumb is in a different position which causes other problems. It is basically parallel to my palm rather than beside it, great for gripping but sorta in the way for a lot of activities. I cannot lay my hand flat, so my thumb gets in the way putting on makeup or trying to carry things. It's difficult to type or play piano (of course the pain in the other hand is affecting piano playing too). I know I'll have to get my right hand done eventually but for me it'll be later rather than sooner. But when the pain is too much I will get it done.

Vicki

12 Sep 2011, 00:50

I have suffered with cervical neck pain for the past 7 yrs. When I had exhausted my resources of relief, including physical therapy, chiropractic procedures and pain management I had to do something...my procedures included 12 steroid injections, 3 facet blocks,and of course exercises with physical therapy. My life became almost non-existant,so I chose to have surgery. I had 2 cervical disc replacements and fusion. Please, please do not consider surgery for this. The pain is so much worse!!! Perhaps it's helpful for lumbar, knee and hip replacement, but the cervical spine was a total failure. If anyone has anything that might help me, please advise.

Joanna

07 Sep 2011, 13:13

I have osteoarthritis in both of my thumbs.
If someone has had Arthoplasty surgery (Traperial excision -- removal of the trapzium bone -- and supension arthoplaity -- suspension using the abductor pollicis longus muscle), I would like to know your results.

Leanne

16 Aug 2011, 22:59

I have severe osteo-arthritis and had bi-lateral knee replacement 6 years ago (age 52). I must say that it worked wonders for me but now I have it so bad in my back that some days I have trouble getting from the bed to the bathroom. I have made a decision to stay away from prescriptions unless the pain is so debilitating I have to stay home from work. I have been seeing an accupuncturist for 2 years and take a number of supplements. It seems to work well for the most part. I lose time from work only 1-2 times every year and a half now.

I say find what works for you and stick with it.

Bryn Evans

15 Aug 2011, 12:06

I suffer increasing difficulty with OA in all of my finger joints, particularly the index and little fingers. There is now so much bone growth on my index finger knuckles that they will no longer bend. The problem was first diagnosed when I was 53 years of age and was told I was too young for effective treatment. Twenty years on and I am told there is no treatment. I cynically think I am now too old for the NHS to bother. Is it not possible to surgically shave of the excess bone around my knuckles to allow movement again? If the NHS won't oblige, is it possible for private treatment? I have just discovered Voltarol gel which greatly relieves the pain but of course, it does not improve movement. Can someone please help?

Vicki brown

25 Jul 2011, 14:49

I feel as though my life is over at 55 . I have osteo, I had hip replacement almost a year ago and my new hip hurts as bad as my old one. Those people who told me they wish they had had theirs early in life are nuts. I wish I hadn't done it. My knees are now giving out because of protecting the hip,up the steps on left leg and down on right,the one I had surgery on. I just give up. I don't know what to do. Dr.s give meds like candy but really don't try to get to the bottom of the problem and tell me what I need besides meds.I want to do things with my family and friends. I mostly put around the house then rest and do some more chores.I have to rest between chores. This is no life.This should be the time of my life. Kids grown,and here I sit. Thanks.

grace grosso

21 Jul 2011, 11:50

i have oa through out my whole body i have had both thumbs rebuilt and have successfully gone back to my job as a hairdresser now i have a bad knuckle under my pointer finger that keeps swelling up and lots of pain i am on celebrex already for fibro and had a injection in april which helped for a while now the smallest things tick it off my doc has mentioned surgry but id like to know what this will intail going next week to talk and see if i can do another injection but im really concerned

james hewitt

13 Jul 2011, 04:27

i had sustaianed an injury in 1982 to my left foot 1 year later i started to suffer pain arthritis was diagnosed i had specialist treatment at out patients and was offered surgery which i declined now after various pain killers over the years i am now in constant pain as anyone any advise

stephanie womack

21 Jun 2011, 14:02

I have had OA for at less 7 yrs and it"s getting worse.My big problem is in my hips and legs ..I cant hardly walk with out pain shooting down my legs.It wakes me up at night acking so bad cant sleep on my sides cause of the pain..Cant take some of the meds cause I have had a heart attack and a stroke..Should I consider surgery to stop the pain/Im afraid that one day I will end up in a wheel chaid prement I have to use one when i go to walmart r any lrg stores that have them.

Gina Weightman

21 Jun 2011, 05:32

I am 47 years old and over the past 4/5yrs have had increasing mobility problems and severe pain in most of my joints due to arthritis.
I was told to loose weight before I could have surgery on both knees and my left hip joint, which I have done.
My consultant said that because of my family history and a bad car crash when I was a child which put me in hospital for 8 months with multiple fractures and 2 yrs of physio, I would continue to deteriate even with surgery.
Is anyone able to tell me if this is acurrate?

Bill Gennaro

03 Jun 2011, 16:03

Fractured ankle in Dec. 1973. Repaired with surgical screws that were removed two months later. Over the years the more time I spend on my feet, the ankle stiffens up, becomes painful. The following morning stiffness is gone again. Ankle support helps. I have never taken medication for it or considered surgery. A doctor told me back in the late 80's that when the bad days outnumber the good days consider surger.

Elaine

24 May 2011, 16:09

I have severe osteropenia and pain in neck and shoulders , bones spurs on vertebrates three and six. Is surgery an option. I have read about treatment osterioarthristis with stem cells in annimals. Are there any clinical trials with humans

DAVID

21 May 2011, 14:46

I am still debating whether I should have
surgery on my elbow,due to arthritis.
is it risky,I been told by my doctor,that
surgery will have some motion,but pain
may not go away,is this true anybody have
any experience with this.

anne dodd

19 May 2011, 05:05

i have severe bilateral osteoarthritis in both knees.the consultant says he has not seen anyone as bad as me.he will not do knee replacements because i am only 53,far too young in his eyes,itherefor have to go through procedures before he will operate.i have been told i cannot work anymore,if i do i will be in a wheelchair within 5 years.i can only take painkillers because of taking other medications,ihave other medical conditions.thankyou for reading my comments

Pamela

14 May 2011, 09:00

I have arthritis in my thumbs and wrists. It hurts all the time, even though I take 15mg of Meloxicam every day.

At 58, I am very active with tennis, gardening and household chores. It is becoming increasing more difficult and PAINFUL to do simple tasks let alone my normal activities.

It is hard for me to imagine what I'll be like in 10 years let alone when I'm really old, if I don't find proper treatment. What are my options?

Vickie McKuhen

03 May 2011, 10:47

I have been taking this type of medication for severe back pain and now for sacroilliac joint pain since 2001. I have blood tests every year and have not had a problem with the medication damaging any of my organs. If it only takes one pill a day, my personal opinion would be to continue taking your medication and avoid surgery. I have had four surgeries on my back due to denegerative disk disease and once you resort to surgery you put yourself at a higher risk for more problems, the surgery may not work, your pain could be worse, etc.
Good luck to you and I hope this information was helpful.

Lydia Galinato

01 Apr 2011, 10:20

I have a hip arthritis since 2003 and on 2006, I started taking Hydrocodone/Acetminophen Tab 5-500 mg prescribed by my doctor. I can take 1 tablet every 6 hours, but I never did that. I only take once a day to relieve my pain. Is there a negative effect for using this for a long time like damage to internal organ ? I am thinking to have hip replacement so I won't take any pain relieve anymore, but I can still manage if I take once a day of this tablet. Please advise.
Take you very much.

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Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Will I need surgery for osteoarthritis?

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