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Knee Replacement

Understanding the Causes That Damage Joint Cartilage

Joint cartilage when damaged, can lead to pain and even disability. There are several causes of joint cartilage damage, including physical damage, infection, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chemical damage, and infection. Understanding the causes of joint cartilage damage is essential for a good understanding of the condition. This helps in developing a personalized treatment plan and also keeping track of any changes in the condition.

What is Joint Cartilage?

Cartilage is a strong, organic and flexible tissue found throughout the body. It covers the surfaces of the joints between bones. It is an intermediate layer that reduces friction between bones and acts as a shock absorber. Type II collagen, which is a major structural protein in the human body is one of the components of the cartilage. Although cartilage is not bone, it does have cells called Chondrocytes just like the Osteocytes cells, found in bone tissue. Some types of cartilage are found at the ends of fingers and toes, in the ears, and in the nose.

Causes of Joint Cartilage Damage

Physical Damage

The causes of joint cartilage damage can be broadly grouped into physical and chemical damage. Physical damage to joint cartilage occurs when the cartilage is hit, scraped or injured by something like a bump or a fall. This might cause damage to the cartilage and also bring about a condition known as cartilage erosion, which leads to joint cartilage damage. In another form of physical damage to joint cartilage, the cartilage might be hit too severely by a hardobject like a ball or a bat, causing the tissue to bruise. This form of damage is reversible, but it still has an impact on the joint.

Chemical Damage

Joint cartilage is susceptible to chemical damage due to various reasons, such as an excessive amount of friction in the joint, certain medications, high fever, certain infections, and even certain types of surgeries. In the case of excessive friction, the cartilage can wear out, leading to joint damage. Excessive friction can also be due to a piece of bone or a joint capsule that is too thick, or that is out of place. If left untreated, this condition can lead to cartilage damage. Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and even some types of birth control pills, can damage joint cartilage. High fever can also damage joint cartilage. This is because the body’s immune response to the infection causes an increase in joint fluid pressure, which damages the cartilage.

Infection

An infection in the joint cartilage can lead to damage to the tissue. Infections like bacterial and viral infections might spread due to injury to the joint cartilage in the form of a fall or a bump. It might also occur as a result of tissue impaction with foreign objects, like a piece of wood or even a splinter from your clothing. Bacterial infections are the most common type of infection that affects joint cartilage.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by degeneration of the joint cartilage. It is specifically caused by aging, obesity, certain injuries, and even certain types of arthritis. OA is the most common cause of joint cartilage damage. It is one of the most common joint conditions seen in the elderly. On average, the condition affects two out of every ten people aged over sixty-five. OA is characterized by the progressive loss of joint cartilage, leading to abnormal bone growth on the cartilage surface. This abnormal bone growth leads to increased joint surface friction, resulting in pain and disability.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune dissorder that affects the joints. It is characterized by joint cartilage and bone inflammation, leading to joint damage and pain. People with this condition are likely to experience joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and even disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common cause of joint cartilage damage. It is also one of the most difficult conditions to treat, as it usually does not respond well to medications. However, there are several surgeries available to help alleviate joint pain and disability.

Conclusion

While joint tissue exists everywhere in the human body, the extent to which it functions varies greatly between individuals. The function of joint cartilage depends on its structure and how tightly linked it is with other parts of your anatomy. When functioning properly, it provides stability to many joints within your body. For instance, moving your arm up and down repeatedly will place great stress on your elbow as well as other joints within that limb, helping to keep it stable while it undergoes these movements. An estimated 300 million people worldwide are affected by joint issues at some point in their lives. Hence, it becomes very important we look into the causes that can damage these joint cartilages as it provides stability, reduces the impact of movements, and helps protect the joint surfaces from damage. It is vital to your health and well-being, as it prevents your bones from rubbing together too much and causing damage.

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Knee Replacement

Use of AI and Robotic Technology in Joint replacement

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part in technological advancement in healthcare. AI significantly impacts many areas of the healthcare ecosystem, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. Orthopedics, among all branches of medical specialties, is an area where surgeons have an array of new tools and assistants in the form of robots. Even though research is still around the success rate and superiority of robotic replacement surgery, the tech adoption has been very swift and global. Very soon, we will see exponential growth in robotic-assisted replacement surgeries that will outnumber manual knee replacement surgeries in a very short time. Patient concerns are mainly related to the procedure, recovery time, safety, costs, etc. 

What is Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement is a specialized procedure where artificial joints are implanted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It has been used as a solution for joint damage, especially in older people with osteoporosis and those who are injured frequently. This surgery is also effective in treating people with arthritis or arthritis associated with other joint diseases like polytraumatic arthritis or psoriasis. Some of the most common joints that are replaced include the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Joint replacement can be used to treat pain and restore function after a joint has been severely injured or due to a chronic joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Artificial joints can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, plastic, and bio-implants like ceramic and polyethylene. This article will discuss the future of joint replacement and AI, why it’s important, and what can be done to improve it?

Impact of AI in Joint Replacement Surgery

In joint replacement surgeries, robots typically assist with pre-surgery planning, intraoperative execution, monitoring and assessing complications, and any short-term or long-term outcomes. Robotic assistance in such surgeries can expand to using the computer vision model, sensors application, and feedback and loop execution, all of which will greatly help the surgeon for technical precision. 

Robotics with imaging is frequently used for 3D reconstruction, comparison of bone registration and ligament evaluation, performing bone resection, and collecting feedback. This leads to fewer mistakes and less damage to the soft tissues of the knee, as well as betters the implant alignment and corrects any flexion-extension gap and gap asymmetry. The fact that it predicts patient outcomes is an exciting prospect for both the patient and the surgeon. It promotes efficiency and faster healing times, improves precision and accuracy, personalizes patient care, and results in fewer complications. AI helps in surgical decision-making and eliminating risk factors and human-driven errors.

How can AI improve Joint Replacement?

AI can use genetic data to help select the best type of joint replacement for each patient. This would help reduce the number of patients who receive incorrect treatment, helping to improve the overall quality of care. AI can also be used to help doctors identify when a patient is at risk of developing a dangerous complication. This could include monitoring the health of a patient’s joint to identify any potential problem, like excessive wear on the joint.

The Future of Joint Replacement and AI

There is a constant effort to improvise the technology, learn from mistakes, and adapt to ensure that AI tools support surgeons with precision in their medical decisions and reduce human error. We are looking at a future with next-generation robots with advanced machine-learning algorithms capable of performing replacement surgeries with minimal human intervention. The impact of AI on the targeted segment will be huge as well. One area that can benefit from AI is joint replacement. 

Conclusion

Artificial joints/ Implants have been used for a long time now. The future of joint replacement, however, could be very interesting. AI could significantly improve the treatment of joint damage by automating a larger part of the process. This would allow doctors to spend more time on actual diagnosis and treatment, leaving less time wasted on administrative tasks. Patients who undergo joint replacement would be able to receive an AI-integrated treatment, like a virtual or augmented reality (VR/AR) treatment. AI could also be used to help select the right type of joint replacement for a patient based on their genetic profile. Researchers are focusing on newer technology for designing implants for  joint replacement with advanced and more biocompatible  material. The results of these studies can be helpful for the future of joint replacement.

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Knee Replacement

Physiotherapy Before and After Joint Replacement

Introduction

Joint replacement is the most preferred solution for the chronic joint pain accompanying arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. But, as with any artificial joint, it comes with its challenges. In such a scenario, physiotherapy plays a significant role in the pre-operative and post-operative procedures in rehabilitating the muscle and the joints.

How is Physiotherapy Used Before Joint Replacement?

Physiotherapy can help you prepare for joint replacement surgery. Before a joint replacement, your doctor may recommend a program of joint exercises and physiotherapy to help you prepare your body for the change, including demonstrating what exercises should be done and how to properly execute them to reduce pain and any risk of injury. It is critical to focus on strengthening the muscles around the joint that is to be replaced. What that does is improve the chances of optimal recovery from surgery. An important thing to remember is that joint replacement surgery is not a way to cure arthritis; it is a way to relieve pain.

How is Physiotherapy Used After Joint Replacement?

In a joint replacement surgery, your doctor will remove all or part of your diseased joint and replace it with an artificial component. The material of artificial components is metal or plastic. These metal and plastic parts help your joint move freely or bend, making it more stable. You may need this surgery if your joints become worn out from overuse or if you suffer from a serious injury that damages your joints. After joint replacement, you’ll need to take it easy for a while to allow your body to heal. This means you’ll probably need to reduce the amount of activity you do physically. That, in turn, means you’ll need to turn to physiotherapy.

The post-surgery focus should primarily be on recovering the full range of motion and regaining full strength in the muscles around the knee. Physiotherapy at this point will include active exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and gain muscle strength. The idea is to demonstrate and supervise strengthening programs to maximize recovery and administer modalities and manual therapy to minimize pain and swelling after the surgery.

The prognosis for recovery after Joint Replacement

Joint replacement is an effective way to relieve pain caused by arthritic conditions & trauma. Joint replacement also has the advantage of being a long term solution. The long-term prognosis for recovery after joint replacement is favorable, although the recovery process varies from person to person. For this reason, following your doctor’s post-surgery recovery plan is important.

Conclusion

As you can see, joint replacement aided with physiotherapy before and after the process has many benefits to offer. Physiotherapy can provide the physical therapy you need to recover from joint replacement surgery. Physical therapy can also help improve and restore movement after joint replacement surgery and prevent or manage some complications, if any. Physiotherapy can help manage chronic pain and swelling, help you get back to a normal lifestyle, and help you maintain or improve your quality of life. Physiotherapy also helps improve bone health, strength, and blood circulation, treat any accompanying pain and swelling, build strength in and around the joint, and aid in faster recovery. To recover as quickly and pain-free as possible after joint replacement surgery, following your doctor’s post-surgery recovery plan is essential.

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Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis ?

Sinusitis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses affecting the nose and occasionally the face, throat, and ears. Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull behind the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nasal passages. These sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid due to cold or allergies, resulting in inflammation. Sinuses are cavities in the skull, while sinusitis is a condition of inflamed sinuses.

How important are sinuses?

Sinuses play a key role in protecting the body against illness and taking care of our wellness. Sinuses, the hollow spaces filled with air, lighten the head’s overall weight. They also warm and humidify the air we inhale. Sinuses help enhance one’s voice quality and speech resonance. In an accident, the sinuses absorb the impact and protect the other facial structures. Sinuses also help drain nasal mucus that protects the nasal passage and keeps unwanted particles like dust and pollutants from entering the body. Healthy sinuses are empty except with a thin layer of mucus which continuously drains the germs, dust, and dirt out, keeping the nose clean and free from bacteria, as already mentioned above.

The four pairs of sinuses are-

Maxillary sinuses: Maxillary are the largest sinuses. They are positioned behind the cheekbones near the upper jaws.

Frontal sinuses: The frontal sinuses are divided into left and right frontal sinuses. The two sinuses are located at the centre of the forehead above each eye.

Sphenoid sinuses: Sphenoid sinuses are situated behind the eyes, near your optic nerve and pituitary gland.

Ethmoid sinuses: The Ethmoid sinuses are a collection of six to twelve small air pockets between the eyes and nasal bridge. 

One develops sinusitis when the tissue lining the sinuses get inflamed or swollen. Sinusitis can also be caused by viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. 

Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis and common cold have similar symptoms, some of which may include the following-

Partial or total loss of smell called Anosmia

Fever, also known as Hyperthermia or pyrexia

Nasal congestion, which causes a stuffy or runny nose

Headache due to sinus

Cough or sore throat

Fatigue

As mentioned above, many sinusitis symptoms are similar to the common cold. But the main difference is that the symptoms of sinusitis tend to be more severe, last longer, and often include pain in the face and forehead. Sinusitis symptoms range from nasal congestion and facial pain to severe headaches and tooth pain.

Types of sinusitis

Depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms, sinusitis is grouped as –

Acute – Acute sinusitis, also known as Rhinosinusitis, where rhino means ‘the nose’ is the most common one with the shortest duration. The symptoms could remain for four weeks or less. Viral infections due to cold and seasonal allergies can cause symptoms that last up to ten days.

Subacute – In the case of Subacute sinusitis, the symptoms may last up to 12 weeks. Seasonal allergies or bacterial infections cause this type of sinusitis.

Recurrent acute – As the name suggests, there would be a reoccurrence of acute sinusitis at least four times in a year.

Chronic- Chronic sinusitis is when the symptoms last for at least 12 weeks.

Possible Contributors of Sinusitis

Anyone can develop sinusitis. Excessive mucus may get formed due to cold, bacteria, or allegories that gradually allow the bacteria and germs to grow in the sinuses, leading to infection. However, apart from cold, allergies, and viral or bacterial infection, other possible factors that may contribute to the development of sinus infection are-

  • Weakened immune system
  • Dental infection
  • Smoking and Tobacco
  • Structural issues with the nose like, nasal bone growth, uneven wall of tissue between the two nostrils (nasal septum)
  • Nasal polyps
  • Cystic fibrosis, a condition where thick and sticky mucus gets buildup in the lungs, intestine, and liver, which causes damage to the respiratory and digestive systems.
  • Exposure to mold, pollen, dirt, etc.

Treatment of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is curable and treatable in most cases without consulting a doctor and antibiotics. But if the symptoms of sinusitis persist for a long, it is advisable to see your doctor and follow his advice and medications. The doctor would diagnose sinus infection based on the symptoms and the physical exam. In case of chronic sinusitis, the doctor may recommend imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Blood tests, nasal endoscopy, and allergy tests are a few other tests that may be needed to diagnose the severity of the infection.

In many cases, home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relieving medicines would help treat headaches or pressure in the forehead or cheeks. The doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy to block any sinuses’ growth in cases of bacterial infection. In cases of chronic symptoms that do not improve or heal with medication, sinus surgery would be an option to clear sinuses, treat structural deformity related to the nose or remove polyps. The types of sinus surgery are-

  • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)– In FESS, with the help of a magnifying endoscope, the surgeon views and removes the infected tissue or bone. With a small incision inside the nose, an endoscope equipped with a camera and light is inserted to help reduce the blockage and drainage of sinuses.
  • Turbinate Reduction Surgery – This surgery uses radio frequency to reduce the swelling of the turbinates (tiny structures in the nose that cleanse the air passing through the nostrils). A needle-like instrument is inserted into the swollen tissue to control the damage. The turbinates gradually heal and reduce in size allowing proper and easy breathing.

Sinus Ostial Dilation Surgery– In this type of surgery, with the help of a balloon catheter inserted into the blocked sinus passage, the balloon is inflated and a saline solution is injected to flush out the mucus.

Health-promoting lifestyle is one of the ways to prevent inflammation. This includes a healthy and nutritious diet, exercise, limiting exposure to allergens and irritants, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected people.

Knowing the causes and symptoms of sinusitis help in treating the inflammation timely and preventing the recurrence of the same in the future.

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Heart Attack

Cardiovascular Health for Everyone

Heart disease today is one of the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and blood vessels. We have to lead a healthy lifestyle and take steps to lower the risk of developing Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A healthy lifestyle, in addition to staying active and eating nutritious meals also includes taking care of your heart and arteries. By implementing the right and healthy habits into your daily life, you can prevent CVD and reduce your risk even further. This article will discuss the ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease. Keep reading to learn more!

Know your Risks

Since anyone can get heart disease, cardiovascular health goals start with identifying if you have the following risks:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor eating habits
  • Smoking and Drinking
  • Family history of heart disease

How To Achieve Cardiovascular Health for Everyone

Since cardiovascular health is a concern for almost everyone, we have to look into all factors like hereditary conditions, lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking, and socio-environmental contributors like air pollution, stress, and our sedentary lives. To live with a healthy heart and avoid the risk of cardiovascular problems, you must-

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of CVD. Heart-healthy foods are low in saturated fats and sodium and are high in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Healthy eating is not just about cutting calories but also about getting the right balance of nutrients. Heart-healthy eating is not only about what you eat but also how often you eat it. Eating too little or too often throughout the day is unhealthier and can lead to an unhealthy heart.

Exercise Regularly and Get Active:

A healthy diet is great, but exercise is even better for cardiovascular health. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It can also reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and increase your life expectancy by years. The best part about exercise is; you can do it at any time, place, and with almost any equipment. Whether walking on the treadmill or cycling with your stationary bike, activity can benefit your heart health in many ways and improve your quality of life.

Maintain the Right Weight:

By eating the right food and exercising well, we also have to pay attention to our weight. Being overweight and on the wrong side of the scale is not a good sign. Obesity is one of the risk factors for CVD.

Take a Daily Dose of Vitamin D:

While many people know that they need to eat vitamin-rich food to maintain a healthy body and heart, many are unaware that they also need to take a daily oral supplement to get the same benefit. The human body needs Vitamin D to function properly, and it also plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, improving bone health, and strengthening the immune system, which is all crucial for cardiovascular health. The best way to get vitamin D is to get outside and sun exposure every day. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible. That is why a daily supplement is also an option. However, it is advisable to not self-medicate and always consult your doctor and follow his advice and instructions before taking any Vitamin D supplements. Doctor-recommended dosage of Vitamin supplements helps make good the vitamin deficiency in your body in the right way. 

Don’t Smoke or Hold Onto Your Breath:

Smoking, exposure to second smoke, and holding your breath can damage your heart and arteries. Smoking is linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease. People who smoke are at a higher risk of CVD because of the damage done to the body by smoking. Holding your breath for too long is also harmful to your heart. Short-term moments of holding your breath, such as swimming underwater or blowing out birthday candles, are not harmful. However, holding your breath for an extended period, such as while performing complicated tasks or playing sports, can damage your heart and arteries.

Consult your doctor for timely and proper treatment if you have any signs of CVD, like chest pain, chest heaviness, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the legs or arms, fatigue, or dizziness. Seeking immediate medical attention and intervention can save you from significant heart complications.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a severe problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The good news is that it can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take doctor-recommendeddaily vitamin D dose, and don’t smoke or hold onto your breath. These few lifestyle changes will significantly lower your risk of heart disease. Keep these tips in mind, and you will be on your way to a heart-healthy lifestyle!

FAQs :

1. What is cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and the blood vessels. 

2. What are five ways to improve your cardiovascular health?

 Five ways to improve cardiovascular health are-

  • Leading an active lifestyle with regular exercise and walking to keep the heart active and healthy
  • Avoiding smoking and drinking, which can weaken and damage the heart
  • Eating heart-healthy foods and not indulging in overeating
  • Maintaining the right weight, which means avoiding being overweight
  • Not to take any stress

3. What is good for cardiovascular health? Any moderate physical activity like walking, running, cycling, swimming, or a game of tennis or badminton and skipping for at least 150 minutes per week is good for the heart.

4. What are the five major cardiovascular health problems?

Five major cardiovascular health problems are,

  • Heart attack aka coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Arrhythmia
  • Heart valve complications

5. What triggers cardiovascular disease? Risk factors like poor and unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and physical activity, smoking and drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and overweight, and high cholesterol trigger cardiovascular disease.

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