Orthopedic surgery is a key tool in the fight against osteoarthritis. It’s a powerful solution for pain relief. It’s also a method to restore lost mobility. The talented surgeons at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio know this well. They’ve seen the transformative impact of their work on the lives of countless patients. This post will delve into how they use orthopedic surgery to treat osteoarthritis. We’ll explore what osteoarthritis is, how it affects the body, and how surgery can help.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and, in severe cases, loss of joint mobility. It’s the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.

How Does Osteoarthritis Impact The Body?

The loss of cartilage leads to bones rubbing together. This causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and over time, loss of strength in the affected joint. It can affect any joint but is most common in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Orthopedic Surgery as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Orthopedic surgery can provide relief when other treatment options have been exhausted. It can help restore mobility and improve quality of life. There are different types of orthopedic surgeries for osteoarthritis. The surgeons at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio have experience in all of them.

TYPE OF SURGERY	WHAT IT DOES
Arthroscopy	This minimally invasive surgery is used to remove loose pieces of cartilage or bone in the joint.
Osteotomy	Osteotomy involves the surgeon removing or adding a wedge of bone near a damaged joint. This shifts weight from an area where there is damaged cartilage to an area where there is more or healthier cartilage.
Joint Replacement	In this procedure, the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating disease. Thankfully, the skilled surgeons at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio are here to help. With orthopedic surgery, they’re able to offer pain relief and restore mobility to those suffering from this common disease.