Degenerative joint disease, which is also referred to as osteoarthritis (OA), is a common “wear and tear” disease that occurs when the cartilage that serves as a cushion in the joints deteriorates. This condition can affect any joint but is most common in knees, hands, hips, and spine.Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Normal cartilage protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones under the cartilage become damaged and rub together. This causes swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
JOINT DISEASE
Degenerative Joint Disease Overview
Anatomy
Cause
Common joint disease include:
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially older women who are past menopause — are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
Arthritis
Aching joints are common in arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint lining swells, invades surrounding tissues, and produces chemical substances that attack and destroy the joint surface. People of all ages may be affected. The disease usually begins in middle age. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body in the hands and feet, as well as the hips, knees, and elbows. Without proper treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can become a chronic, disabling condition.
Have Joint Disease?
We generally try to treat joint disease with the least invasive methods. When necessary, surgical correction can be the best solution, and we are especially trained and skilled in the latest, most effective procedures.
Why Doctor Lopez?
Doctor Lopez specializes in minimally invasive sports medicine and joint replacement. Dr. Lopez performs a variety of complex procedures in the upper and lower extremities including rotator cuff surgery, knee ligament surgery, and the direct anterior total hip replacement.
Dr. Lopez has had extensive training to meet the needs of his patients. Dr Lopez completed his undergraduate degree in the major of biology at Cornell University. He then went on to graduate from the New Jersey Medical School with his degree in Medicine. Also during that time, Dr. Lopez performed basic science research at the prestigious Whitehead Institute, an affiliate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Reference: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org
Copyright © 2019 David V. Lopez, MD
