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Knee Replacement

Why Gold Knee Implant Is A Better Option For Total Knee Replacement

Suffering from severe arthritis of the knees can be a tedious condition with consistent symptoms such as pain in the knees that worsens over time, stiffness, swelling of joints, etc. These persistent symptoms can become a hindrance in one’s day-to-day functioning.

Non-operative treatments like knee joint injections, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications can be the first option for most people, but when these have failed to provide adequate relief, Knee replacement surgery can be of help.

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap.

Traditional total knee replacement involves an incision over the knee of about 7-8 inches, and a recovery period of 3-5 days at the hospital.

According to an article by UW Medicine Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine on Total Knee Replacement surgery most reports of surgeons performing knee replacement surgery have been excellent and the results have shown ten-year success rates above 90 percent.

More than 90 percent of total knee replacement patients experience substantial or complete relief of pain once they have recovered from the procedure. The large majority do not require a cane even if there is the one used before the surgery and can walk without a limp.

The major benefit of total knee replacement surgery is the better quality of life. There is a restoration of the ability to carry out activities that they could not do before, due to the pain and stiffness, etc. The pain and the stiffness from the arthritis are relieved by the surgery. It is reported that the distance one can walk will improve well because of the diminished pain. 

One major complication that can hinder a total knee replacement surgery is the patient’s allergy to metal components. Some people may experience a reaction to the metal that is used in the artificial knee joint as implants may contain titanium or cobalt-chromium-based alloy. This is where Gold Knee Implants come in.

What are Gold Knee Implants?

For patients who have shown an allergic reaction to metals, the Gold knee replacement procedure can be considered a very good option. The knee implants used for the surgery have a Titanium Niobium Nitride (TiNbN) coating on their surface. This coating gives a golden color to the implant and makes it allergy-proof because of inert material’s coating.

Why one should opt for Gold Knee Implants?

The implant gold knee is one of the best artificial joint. It has a longer life span and does not trigger any allergic reactions. According to an article by Bone and Joint 360 the Golden knee implant is compatible with human tissues, and it is highly recommended for patients that are 60 years of age or below.

Knee implants are normally made of an alloy of chromium and cobalt and sometimes they tend to release metal ions inside your body. Patients who may experience an allergic reaction tend to experience inflammation in the knee joint because of the same. Eventually, complications like infections, loosening of the joint, and persisting knee pain develop.

Benefits of a Gold Knee Implant

  • Durable implants due to the titanium coating.
  • The higher life span of the Gold Knee implant as compared to regular knee implants.
  • Works well with new-age surgical techniques. The outcomes are better when compared to regular implants.

There are various types of implants used other than Gold Knee Implants as well, such as metal on plastic implants, which are the most common type of implants, or ceramic on plastic implants, for people who have a sensitivity to nickel used in metal implants, leading to an allergic reaction or people who are sensitive to nickel used in metal implants.

It is important to evaluate all your options before opting for a total knee replacement surgery, the cost, the biocompatibility, and especially about the type of metal that is used, in case the patient is allergic to a certain metal or alloy.

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Cancer

Keeping Ovarian Cancer At Bay

Cancer refers to a disease/condition in which cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in one organ to form a tumor, and spreads to the other parts of the body. Tumors can either be cancerous or benign. As the name itself suggests, ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries. The female reproductive system contains two ovaries on each side of the uterus, which are responsible for producing eggs and estrogen.

Though not common, ovarian cancer causes more deaths among women than other types of cancers. In most cases, it is difficult to detect ovarian cancer in the early stages. Ovarian cancer goes undetected until it has spread to the pelvis, abdomen, and nearby areas.  In this advanced stage, the cancer is quite difficult to treat. However, early-stage ovarian cancer that is confined to the ovaries is more likely to be treated successfully.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

As mentioned earlier, ovarian cancer is unlikely to be detected in the earlier stages as there may be fewer to no symptoms. The early symptoms may also resemble those of other conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and other bladder-related problems. However, it is important to consult with your medical practitioner if the symptoms persist. Some of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms include:

  • Immense pain or pressure in the pelvic area
  • Abnormal bloating
  • Pain in the back/abdomen
  • Unusually frequent/less frequent urination
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal bleeding

The symptoms also tend to change when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor if any of these symptoms worry you, or if you have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Though there are no definitive causes that lead to ovarian cancer, there are several factors that can increase the risk of one being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. These risk factors include:

Age

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. Ovarian cancer mostly develops in women who have reached menopause. Around 50% of ovarian cancer cases are found in women above the age of 63.

Family history of cancer

Having a near family member with a history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or even colorectal cancer, can increase the risk of developing the condition. This is because cancer can be caused by an inherited mutation in certain genes.

Hormone replacement therapy

Women undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after menopause is at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The longer the Hormone Replacement Therapy is given, the higher the risk. However, the risk reduces when the treatment stops.

Reproductive history

Women who have undergone one or more full-term pregnancies are at a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also contributes to reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. However, having children after the age of 35 or never having a full-term pregnancy can increase the risk.

Breast cancer

Women diagnosed with breast cancer or with a history of breast cancer are also at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is mostly due to the changes in the BRCA gene.

Obesity

Obesity has been linked to the risk of developing many types of cancer. Women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Androgens

Having high levels of androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Certain androgens lead to specific types of ovarian cancers.

Prevention of  Ovarian Cancer

Most women are likely to have one or more risk factors that may lead to ovarian cancer. Like most cancers, though there aren’t sure-shot ways to prevent ovarian cancer, you can work towards reducing and eliminating certain risk factors that may lead to the condition. Some of the precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk are:

Maintain a healthy weight

One of the most common causes/risk factors for all cancers is obesity. Ensure that you maintain a healthy weight and follow good dietary habits with an exercise routine to keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) in check.

Avoid HRT

Avoiding Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy after menopause can reduce the risk of developing the disease considerably.

Birth control pills

Using oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, decreases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control pills and which ones may be right for you. However, birth control pills also have certain side effects and other associated risks, so discuss the advantages and disadvantages before taking them.

Gynecologic surgeries

Gynecologic procedures such as tubal ligation and hysterectomy may help in reducing the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer. However, these procedures have to be done only for valid medical conditions, and not just the reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women who have had one or more full-term pregnancies before the age of 26 have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer as compared to women who have not. Breastfeeding helps in lowering the risk even further.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you can discuss with your medical practitioner about the various treatment methods. You need to understand the pros and cons of each treatment option before finalizing one. Some of the most common treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgery to remove the tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment can also vary depending on the type and stage of ovarian cancer.

Though there are no definitive ways to prevent ovarian cancer, it is important to be aware and fully informed of the symptoms. Approach your doctor or healthcare provider immediately, if you notice one or more of these symptoms in you or your loved ones; as early detection saves lives. You can also work towards reducing certain risks associated with the disease by following a healthy lifestyle and taking precautions. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

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Cancer

Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer in Indian women. and it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. While the rate at which ovarian cancer can be fatal is 1 in 108, it is a hopeful statistic that the rate at which women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer has been slowly falling over the past 20 years.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

The ovaries are small organs located on either side of the uterus. Their function is to produce eggs for reproduction. Ovarian cancer can form in different parts of the ovary.

Germ cells are the cells that become eggs in the ovaries, stromal cells make up the substance of the ovary,  and epithelial cells are the outer layer of the ovary. Ovarian cancer can start in either of these cells.

Genetic mutations that are responsible for cancer may be hereditary or they can be acquired. Doctors studying ovarian cancer are trying to identify which of these mutations are responsible for cancer. Ovarian cancer can develop in a woman of any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women between the ages of 55 and 64

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Pelvic Exam

Pelvic exams are routine exams done by a primary-care doctor or an obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor feels for an enlarged ovary and any signs of fluid in the abdomen by inserting two gloved fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the abdomen. This helps the doctor to check the size, shape, and consistency of the ovaries and uterus.

A pelvic exam may also help to detect conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical polyps, uterine fibroids, genital warts, bacterial vaginosis, etc.

While detecting ovarian cancer through a pelvic exam is rare. The doctor may ask the patient to take a few more tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Imaging tests

Transvaginal ultrasound:

Imaging tests such as a transvaginal ultrasound uses high-energy sound waves to detect abnormalities like ovarian tumors, etc. These abnormalities may appear as solid or as a fluid-filled cyst. This imaging test also helps visualize the size of the ovary along with other irregularities in the reproductive system, i.e, the vagina, the bladder, the fallopian tubes.

The doctor or ultrasound technician inserts a probe into the vagina to capture images of the organs and tissues.

Ovarian biopsy: While ultrasound can detect an irregularity, it can’t determine whether the mass is cancerous or not. This requires a biopsy.

A CT scan or a Computed tomography is used to locate a tumor before surgery. It can also help determine tumor size, and detect whether or not the other organs are affected. An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging has greater soft tissue contrast than a CT scan and hence is extremely useful in detecting tumors or recurrences in other organs in the body. This is why an MRI is often used in combination with other tests as part of the evaluation process.

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography or a (PET/CT) scan is sometimes used to help diagnose ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. The scan can measure a tumor’s ability to use a type of sugar: glucose. Faster growing cells utilize more sugar and show up brighter on this imaging test, hence indicating the presence of cancer.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

The treatment of ovarian cancer depends on factors such as the type of ovarian cancer, the stage at which it is, and whether or not one wants to have children in the future.

Surgery

Once the diagnosis and the stage of the cancer are determined, cancer can be removed via surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove all the tissue that contains cancer. The doctor might also ask the patient to take a biopsy to see if cancer has spread.

If one wants to have children in the future but has stage 1 cancer, the surgery can include the following modifications:

  • removal of the ovary that has cancer
  • biopsy of the other ovary
  • biopsies of other tissues and collection of fluid inside of the abdomen for further evaluation
  • removal of the fatty tissue, or omentum connecting to the abdominal organs
  • removal of abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes

Advanced ovarian cancer surgery

If one has stage 2.3 or 4 cancer, and one does not want to have children in the future, the surgery is more extensive.

The procedure includes the complete removal of areas and organs involved with cancer

Removal of:

  • The Uterus
  • Both the ovaries and fallopian tubes
  • The omentum
  • As much tissue that has cancer cells

And biopsies of any tissue that might be cancerous.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is usually the next step after surgery. Medications can be given through the abdomen or intravenously.

Some side effects of chemotherapy can include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • hair loss
  • fatigue
  • problems sleeping

Ovarian cancer is a serious condition that comes with a physical as well as an emotional toll on the patient. It is highly advisable that one that is experiencing the symptoms mentioned above immediately consult their doctor to undergo the proper diagnosis. It is important to understand every aspect of the condition before going into treatment.

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Sinusitis

Rhinogenic Headache- Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Headaches are the most common health problem yet they can be complicated than most people realize. Each headache has its own set of symptoms which can happen for unique reasons and also needs to be treated differently. There are over 150 types of headaches. But let’s focus on rhinogenic headaches. It is a major health issue that is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Diagnosing a rhinogenic explanation for headache or facial pain outside of the classic definitions of chronic, acute, and subacute sinusitis is often challenging for the practicing otolaryngologist. Contact-point headaches are clinically characterized as causing facial pain secondary to abutting mucosal contact from the lateral nasal wall to the septum. Otolaryngologists see an outsized number of patients with rhinogenic headaches. The majority of patients with this condition are males aged 10-30 years.

So, what is Rhinogenic Headache?

Rhinogenic headache may be a pain within the head and face due to the intranasal contact point. These headaches have their primary pathophysiology centered in the nose with a headache or facial pain as a result of complex neurohumoral reflexes. Acute rhinosinusitis is that associated with the most common rhinogenic headache. Most cases are caused by viral infections (up to 98%), and only 2% are complicated by bacterial sinusitis. However primary care physicians often treat sinusitis as an acute bacterial infection by prescribing antibiotic therapy and hence contributing to the onset of resistance. Rhinogenic headache is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as migraine.

Rhinogenic pain is usually unilateral, severe, located on an equivalent side and associated with rhinogenic symptoms, and nearly always amid endoscopic and CT abnormalities. Incidental CT mucosal diseases are often noted in 30% of asymptomatic patients.

The symptoms to look out for to know if you have Rhinogenic headache.

The symptoms of Rhinogenic headache can look like any other health-related issue. Symptoms may be different for each person. They might include:

  • Facial pain or pressure that gets worse while leaning forward
  • Nasal congestion
  • Postnasal drip
  • Toothache in the upper jaw
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Yellowish or greenish discharge from the nose
  • Pain in the upper jaw
  • Headache
  • Deceased smell
  • Ear pressure or fullness

If you notice any combination of the above symptoms visit your ENT doctor for appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment

Rhinogenic headache can often be misdiagnosed which can then lead to improper treatment thus a detailed diagnosis is needed to identify. Once the practitioner has examined you thoroughly the treatment for the same would begin. It can be treated medically as well as surgically, both treatments have significant reduction although surgical treatment has better results.

A thorough history which incorporates elicitation of nasal congestion, symptom, facial pain, pressure, dental pain, anosmia, fever, cough, fatigue, ear fullness or pressure, precipitating factors causing the headache (head movement, stress, or cold weather after which a complete nasal endoscopy and CT scan of nose and sinuses are mandatory to make a diagnosis. Whether or not any consultation to a neurologist, allergist, or TMJ specialist has been performed, and whether or not therapy by these specialists has failed to overcome their headache. Following the history, a thorough ENT is examination is necessary with palpation of the sinuses to elicit tenderness.

Once the diagnosis has been made an aggressive medical therapy is indicated. A referral to a neurologist or TMJ specialist is encouraged as well. This is when there is no evidence or history of sinus disease on an exam or CT scan and especially there are no anatomical abnormalities. The medical therapy includes steam, hot and cold compresses, antibiotics if the sinuses have been noted, saline irrigation, analgesics, treatment of the allergy problem with steroid nasal spray, antihistamines, and leukotriene inhibitors, and time.

If the medical therapy fails then a lengthy discussion must ensue before any surgical intervention. An evaluation by a neurologist and TMJ specialist must be included for a failed medical therapy. Before the surgery full discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives is needed.

Surgery can then be performed to correct any or all of the anatomical variants that are felt to be the cause of the headache. If there is indeed a septal spur, then septoplasty should be performed in whatever manner one prefers, be it endoscopic removal of the spur, submucosal resection, or the traditional Cottle approach. Concerning endoscopic sinus surgery, this too is extremely controversial, in particular, if on a CAT scan there is no evidence of sinus disease. A repeat CT is sometimes necessary since one CT is only a snapshot in time. If indeed there is evidence of sinus disease on CT, then the indications are more definite and one needs to address the sinuses that are involved. If there is no evidence of sinus disease, then one should not operate on the sinuses unless there has been evidence of rhinosinusitis on history and exam.

So if you are experiencing the symptoms don’t ignore them and visit the doctor. The sooner you treat it the better. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it will be gone for good.

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Sinusitis

Sinus Headache And Migraine: Everything That Sets Them Apart!

Headaches are one of the most prevalent health conditions faced by humans. There are many different types of headaches, with sinus headaches and migraines being the most common ones. The two are often misdiagnosed as both migraine and sinus headaches have similar symptoms such as runny nose and tenderness in the cheeks and forehead. This makes it hard to differentiate between the two. To understand the differences between the two, let us get an overview of sinus headaches and migraines, along with their characteristics.

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are characterized by the deep and constant pain in your sinuses and surrounding areas – eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. The pain comes with a throbbing sensation, and this is caused when there is an inflammation in the sinuses and the nasal passages. Other indicators, such as runny nose, fever, ear block, and a swollen face, also accompany the sinus headaches. Sinus headache is usually a symptom of sinusitis (sinus infection).

In sinusitis, the sinuses become inflamed, blocking the nasal passages. Healthy sinuses are filled with air, and the fluid buildup within the sinuses causes swelling in the nasal cavity. This can be caused due to viral/bacterial infections or seasonal allergies that last for an extended period.

Symptoms of Sinus Headache

  • Pain/pressure in the forehead and cheeks
  • Increasing pain on bending forward or lying down
  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Tiredness
  • Fever

Risk Factors of Sinus Headache

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Common cold
  • Ear infection
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated Nasal Septum
  • Weak immune system
  • Previous history of sinus headaches
  • Family history of migraines/sinus headaches

Migraine

Migraine causes severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain is more like a pulsing sensation in the head, often accompanied by nausea, photosensitivity, and sensitivity to sound. A migraine attack can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of it, and it may also interfere with one’s daily activities.

A warning symptom, commonly known as an aura occurs before or during the headache. This can include flashes of light, blind spots, a tingling sensation on one side of the face or limb, and speech difficulty.

Symptoms of Migraine

There are four stages of a migraine attack – prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. However, not everyone goes to all four stages. The most common symptoms during each stage are:

  • Prodrome
  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Food cravings
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Frequent yawning
  • Aura
  • Blind spots
  • Loss of vision
  • Stinging sensation in the limbs
  • The feeling of numbness on one side of the body
  • Speech difficulty
  • Attack
  • Immense pain on one side of the head
  • Throbbing ache
  • Photosensitivity
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Nausea
  • Post-drome
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sudden pain while moving the head

Migraine Risk Factors

  • Family history of migraines
  • Age (Migraine often occurs first during adolescence and peaks during the 30s)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Skipping meals
  • Smoking
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Alcohol abuse

How can you differentiate between a Sinus Headache and a Migraine?

According to research, many people diagnosed with sinus headaches are usually experiencing a migraine attack. While telling the two conditions apart, the most important factors to consider are the symptoms and the timing, based on which the right treatment is given.

While some of the common symptoms of both sinus headaches and migraines include a running nose, watery eyes, and tenderness/pressure on the forehead, various other symptoms set them apart.

In case of a sinus headache, the mucus discharge will be yellowish, while the drainage will be clear in case of a migraine. Sinus headaches are often accompanied by fever and bad breath, while a migraine may cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. Women are much more prone to migraine attacks as compared to men.

Apart from the symptoms, it is important to note the timing of the headache. If the headache occurs after infections such as the common cold or flu, or after allergic reactions, it is most likely to be a sinus headache. However, if the headache occurs after consuming certain foods/alcohol, highly stressful situations, skipping a meal, insomnia, or other lifestyle-related factors, it is a migraine attack.

To diagnose a sinus headache or migraine, your doctor will ask you specific questions related to your headaches such as the frequency at which they occur, the symptoms you experience, the timing/triggers, and the family history. The doctor may also suggest physical examination, blood tests, or imaging tests for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for sinus headache/sinusitis includes self-care measures such as steam inhalation, usage of nasal wash, nasal irrigation, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. If the condition is severe, the doctor might prescribe corticosteroids, antibiotics, or surgery.

The treatment for migraine attacks is divided into two – acute treatment and preventive treatment. The acute treatment aims at easing the symptoms to provide relief such as moving to a cool and darkroom, cold compress, fluid consumption, OTC pain relievers, and anti-nausea medications. Preventive treatment includes various lifestyle changes such as a regular exercise regime, stress management, regular sleep schedule, avoiding exposure to triggers, and more.

Be it sinus headache or migraine attacks, the most important step towards nipping it in the bud is to be aware of the symptoms and approach your healthcare provider for the right diagnosis. Though treatment methods are available to relieve the symptoms, one can be mindful of the risk factors and avoid exposure to triggers, for prevention is better than cure!

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