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Orthopedic Group, Inc |
Osteoarthritis and Total Joint Arthroplasty Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis,” occurs mostly in older patients due to a gradual breakdown of healthy cartilage lining the joint. Symptoms include pain, joint swelling, irregular, bony growths, as well as stiffness and immobility in the affected joint. Osetoarthritis is a debilitating condition that hinders routine activities and keeps many patients from leading an otherwise fulfilling life.
Anatomy of a Healthy JointIn a healthy joint, cartilage lines the ends of the bones and reduces friction between them as the joint rotates and moves. When cartilage protecting a joint becomes damaged, it loses its ability to cushion and lubricate, no longer facilitating healthy motion. The result is a stiff, painful joint that significantly limits a patient's ability to perform routine activities. Total joint replacement is the most common surgical solution to treat this debilitating disease.OGI, with offices conveniently located in Pawtucket, Lincoln, and Bristol, Rhode Island, as well as Attleboro, Massachusetts, employs 11 highly skilled orthopedic surgeons, Fellowship-trained in adult joint reconstruction, arthroscopic surgery, spine surgery, and more. The physical therapy team works in tandem with the orthopedic surgeons to develop the most comfortable, effective treatment plan for patients of all ages and conditions. Find out more about our orthopedic surgery team » Find out more about our physical medicine and rehabilitation team » Treating Osteoarthritis: Total Joint ReplacementTotal joint replacement is considered a safe, commonly performed procedure. Joint replacement alleviates pain and immobility by removing the diseased or damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthesis, designed to work and feel like a natural joint. Total joint replacement works to restore the patient's active lifestyle and relieve pain, immobility, and other debilitating symptoms associated with joint pain. Total joint replacement is most often indicated as a last resort for patients suffering from severe degenerative arthritis if conservative treatment methods have not sufficiently relieved the patient’s pain and immobility.Commonly Replaced JointsThe most commonly replaced joints include the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. The hip and knee joints bear a significant amount of the body's weight, and experience greater wear-and-tear than other joints in the body. The shoulder joint, a ball-and-socket joint, is structurally unstable and dislocates easily. The shoulder is also susceptible to sports injuries, which can cause damage to the components of the joint. Repeated dislocations, or any other sustained injury to the shoulder joint, can cause damage to the cartilage lining the joint, leading to osteoarthritis later on in life.Orthopedic Excellence: Rhode Island and MassachusettsOnly an orthopedic surgeon can determine the best solution to your musculoskeletal disorder. Make an appointment at oneof OGI’s four offices, located in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, to evaluate your condition and suggest the best method of treatment. |
Pawtucket Office • 588 Pawtucket Ave. • Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 • Toll Free: (800) 725-3037 • Tel: (401) 722-2400
Lincoln Office • 6 Blackstone Valley • Place Building 5, Suite 530 • Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865 • Tel: (401) 334-3700
Attleboro, MA Office • 16 Hillside Ave. • Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703 • Tel: (508) 222-4450
Bristol Office • 1180 Hope Street • Bristol, Rhode Island 02809 • Tel: (401) 722-2400