Surgery: Archives

Hip Replacement August 29, 2022

What You Must Know About Geriatric Fractures

Introduction

The natural aging process changes the body, biologically, physiologically and psychologically, along with other changes increasing older people’s susceptibility to disabilities and diseases. The term Geriatric means “of old age” and often refers to older people’s health conditions such as osteoporosis and dementia and healthcare. There is an increased risk for fractures in older people due to the bones getting weaker and losing strength and density. That’s why it is essential to know the signs of a fracture in the elderly so you can take action before an injury becomes more serious. If you have an older family member or friend, they’ve likely experienced a broken bone or two. After all, an estimated 71% of adults will break a bone at some point. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone experiences fractures in the same way or at the same rate as others.

What are Geriatric Fractures?

Geriatric fractures are broken bones that affect older people more often than not. There are several different types of geriatric fractures, each associated with a health condition and resulting in different symptoms. Fractures more often than not happen due to falls, accidents, or as a result of a direct impact or trauma to the affected body part.

Types of Geriatric Fractures

The two most common geriatric fractures are osteoporosis-related fractures and falls-related fractures. Osteoporosis-related fractures occur when older adults with osteoporosis have low bone mass, bone strength, and low bone density. This makes their bones more likely to fracture. Falls-related fractures occur when an older adult has low bone density and falls because they are not as strong as they used to be. This can happen because their balance is affected by a related medical condition such as dementia or the side effects of medication. Other types of geriatric fractures include fractures associated with poor muscle function and bone infections.

Symptoms of Geriatric Fracture

The most common symptom of a bone fracture in the elderly is pain and impairment of mobility. However, if the fracture is causing other symptoms, it’s necessary to see a doctor.

Pain in the limb that is difficult to explain, for example, or pain that goes away when the limb is bent, can be a sign of a fractured bone.

Limping or having a hard time walking can be a sign of a more serious injury and should not be ignored.

Redness, swelling or warmth, or bruising around the broken bone can indicate a more serious injury and should be a concern.
Loss of strength in the arm or leg can indicate a more serious injury.

A feeling of obvious deformity or change in how the broken bone feels can indicate that the bone has shifted or moved inside the joint, which can signify a more serious injury.

Risk Factors for Geriatric Fractures

Geriatric fractures like hip fractures can be debilitating with increased mortality, loss of independence, and long-term disability. Hence, we must pay enough attention to the risk factors for Geriatric Fractures and work towards fracture prevention and patient education.

Poor bone health: People with osteoporosis and low bone mass are at an increased risk for
fractures. Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when bones lose too much bone density.
The bones become weak and more fragile, leading to associated disorders like low body weight, malabsorption syndromes like chronic liver disease (CLD) and inflammatory bowel disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and long-term immobility.

Dementia: People with dementia lose the cognitive functioning of the brain. They become forgetful, and their thinking gets impaired, affecting their daily life. These people are more prone to accidents and falls and are also likely to have low bone density, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.

Medication side effects: People who take medication to control blood pressure, reduce glucose levels, or control seizures are at an increased risk of fractures due to changes in their balance and strength.

Obesity: Obese are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Obesity affects more than just your looks and is also associated with an increased risk of fractures.

Poor Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors: Sedentary lifestyle, poor eating, sleeping, lack of physical activity, and unregulated drinking and smoking contribute to poor bone health and associated complications. Those with low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency and lack of physical activity are equally at risk.

How are Geriatric Fractures Diagnosed?

It is often difficult to diagnose a geriatric fracture with/without any health conditions causing them. The doctor will ask about signs and symptoms, complete medical history of both patient and general family health to determine if there are underlying health conditions or any other risk factors for fractures associated with advancing age, and physically examine and try to determine the type of fracture by ordering for the following tests to help make the diagnosis,

an X-ray
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
or a Computed tomography (CT) scan

Prevention of Geriatric Fractures

It is beyond our control to prevent or predict geriatric fractures caused by falls, accidents, and other injuries. As a silent epidemic, increasing fractures among the elderly are becoming a major public health concern. It is a priority to prevent fractures in older people or people over 65. The challenge is to identify those at most risk, especially those who have previously had a fall, intervene and assess risk levels, and ensure timely and cost-effective treatment. Awareness about improving bone health and reducing any risk of injury is a must.

A calcium and Vitamin D-rich diet to keep bones healthy and strong.
Follow a weight-bearing exercise regime to keep bones strong.
Complete abstinence from smoking. Tobacco and nicotine increase bone fracture risk and slow down the healing process.

Treatment of Geriatric Fractures

As an older person, if you’re concerned about your symptoms or have a broken bone that doesn’t cause other symptoms, don’t wait to see a doctor. Do not attempt to treat the fracture yourself. The most important thing to do is protect the injured limb, put the broken pieces of the bone back in place, expedite medical intervention to heal to reduce the pain and trauma, and avoid any complications.

Treatments typically include –

putting the fractured bone in a splint or cast
medication to reduce/control the pain
traction to stretch the muscles and tendons around the injured bone to help alignment and healing, and
surgery to fix certain types of fractured bones into place. Surgery involves the installation of metal rods or pins inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone fragments in place for them to heal.

The prognosis for Geriatric Fractures

The prognosis for a geriatric fracture is good if the fracture is diagnosed early and treated properly. But if it is not managed properly, it can result in serious complications. It’s crucial to protect an injured limb and see a doctor. In many cases, the fracture can be treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of these procedures. It’s important to know that even when the fracture heals, some changes in the bone may be permanent.

Conclusion

Fractures are a serious risk for older adults, especially those with low bone density, a fall-related or osteoporosis-related fracture, or a fracture associated with poor muscle function. For these reasons, it’s important to know the signs of a fracture and protect yourself from injury. If you notice any sign of a fracture, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. They can help protect your health and avoid serious long-term damage.

FAQs

What type of fractures is most common in the elderly?

Older people are at high risk of bone fragility, falls, and fractures. The most common fractures among the elderly are hip fractures, accounting for at least 90 percent. Typically, all appendicular fractures are precipitated by a fall.

Why are fractures common in the elderly?

Fractures are most common in the elderly because of advancing age, bones getting weaker and brittle due to osteoporosis, and an unfortunate fall. The bones get more fragile with age with the natural bone tissue changes. For women, especially after menopause, the bones get weaker and thinner with the decline in the female hormone estrogen.

Why do the elderly take longer to heal fractures?

The elderly usually take longer to heal fractures because of the declining count of stem cells in the bone marrow due to old age. Recovery from a bone fracture requires sufficient vascularization and the formation of blood vessels in the tissue. Advancing age tends to hinder this process by preventing crucial bone healing sites.

Can the elderly recover from fractures?

When the elderly experience a fall and a fracture, many recover fully, get back on their feet, and lead normal lives. The key lies in prompt action and dealing with all kinds of falls and fractures with precision and timely medical intervention in the case of any type of fracture involving the upper leg, knees, pelvis, hip, skull, back and neck.

How do you know if a fracture is healing?

Never mind how big or small a fracture is, there are 4 tell-tale signs to tell if a fracture is healing or not.

Decreasing Pain – When the intensity of pain a fracture afflicted person experiences is on the decline.
Improved Mobility – The healing period of a fracture can render a fracture-afflicted elderly patient pretty immobile. As the healing takes over, the mobility of the affected limb will improve.
Lack of Bruising – When the area around a fractured bone shows no signs of bruising, the fracture is healing well.
Decreasing Swelling – When the area around a fractured bone displays less swelling, know that it’s healing well.

Can an old fracture cause problems years later?

An untreated bone fracture can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. When the bone doesn’t heal at all, it is called nonunion fracture. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen. Delayed union fracture is when the bone takes more than the usual time to heal.

Can broken bones cause dementia?

The quality of life after an older person suffers from a fracture significantly affects the onset of
dementia. The after-effects of a bone fracture can result in less mobility and decline in physical agility, chronic pain, and prolonged inflammatory cytokine secretion during fracture repair can end up contributing to dementia.

When does a fracture stop hurting?

After a broken bone fracture of an older person is fixed by the doctor without surgery, the pain may subside significantly right after. However, an elderly person may experience some pain for up to 3-4 weeks and mild pain for up to 6-7 weeks after surgery.

What happens if a fracture doesn’t heal?

After a bone fracture, the body gets into a healing mode. If the broken parts of the bones are not properly aligned, the bone will go on to heal with a deformity called a malunion. This happens when a new bone occupies the huge space between the displaced ends of the broken bone.

What slows down bone healing?

High glucose levels and habits like smoking and drinking delay bone healing. For all elderly patients with fractured bones, being immobile for some time is a crucial factor in the treatment process. The healing process significantly slows down with any movement of bone fragments.

Bariatric August 4, 2022

How To Prepare Yourself for Bariatric Surgery

Introduction

Bariatric surgery can be an extremely positive experience for your body. As you know, bariatric surgery involves getting you a smaller stomach through surgery toward your weight-loss goal. Most people who have this type of surgery feel better afterwards. It’s also one of the most successful weight-loss surgeries available today. If you’re considering undergoing Bariatric surgery, you should probably get ready as your hospital team will also have many questions for you. So ensure you have all the answers beforehand so there are no last-minute hiccups during your surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Obesity is a leading risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. There is no treatment for obesity that is predictive and consistent with results except for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure used to help people with obesity lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and the intestines. Such reduction and resizing of the stomach can help the patient feel full after eating smaller portions of food. This ensures fewer calories go into the body, thus enabling losing weight much faster.

Who should go for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery may be suitable –

For a person who is morbidly obese (meaning the said patient is very overweight and at high risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease). Bariatric surgery candidates are generally either overweight than 500 pounds or obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

To someone who is unable to reduce weight through exercise and diet control.
In cases where it is safe, look at the patient’s medical condition.
Where the obesity-related health issues are life-threatening and need immediate addressing

One should also be ready to commit to the lifestyle change that comes with Bariatric surgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bariatric Surgery

There are many benefits to undergoing bariatric surgery. First, you will likely feel better about yourself. You’ll also have more confidence and feel more in control of your life. And Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight much faster than dieting alone. Bariatric surgery can also help you avoid other weight-loss methods that may be unsafe or ineffective. That’s because Bariatric surgery is the only type of weight-loss surgery proven to work long-term. You may be wondering if there are any disadvantages to undergoing bariatric surgery. However, studies show very few disadvantages to this surgery.

Like any other surgical procedure, Bariatric surgery too has associated risks. The related risks or side effects could be infection, vomiting, stomach obstruction, inability to eat a specific food, failing to lose weight, and risks related to anaesthesia or acid reflux.

How and Why is Bariatric Surgery Performed?

Weight reduction is generally obtained through two types of Bariatric surgery — Restrictive and Malabsorptive — each with its advantages and disadvantages or a combination of both. In Restrictive surgery, the surgeon removes a section of your stomach larger than the average amount. This will reduce the amount of food you can eat at one time. In Malabsorptive surgery, the surgeon removes some of your small intestine — which means one will not be able to eat food with high sugar content, such as bread, fruit and sugar-sweetened beverages. These bariatric surgeries are slightly different and are generally chosen based on the person’s lifestyle.

Restrictive Surgery aims at reducing the intake of food by reducing the size of the stomach
Malabsorptive Surgery aims at reducing the absorption of nutrients by the body by resizing the small intestine.

The various types of Bariatric Surgeries include-

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery where the portion of a stomach is removed along a greater curvature. The remaining portion of the stomach is a banana-shaped stomach.
Gastric Bypass Surgery- It is also known as Roux-en-Y. Here a portion of a stomach is created like a small pouch and directly connected to the small intestine.
Intragastric Air Balloon- A saline-filled silicone balloon is placed in the stomach through the endoscopic route.
Endoscopic Gastroplasty- Using an endoscope, the suturing device sutures the stomach reducing its shape and size to that of a tube.
Metabolic Surgery – This surgery specifically addresses diabetes and metabolic dysfunctions, which have stopped responding to any lifestyle or medication changes as opposed to obesity per se.
Biliopancreatic diversion– Also known as Duodenal Switch, this is a type of surgery where the food bypasses some part of the small intestine. This can be considered both a malabsorptive and restrictive type of surgery.

Preparation and Procedure of Bariatric Surgery

Before surgery, you should probably be completely ready for the change. It is a holistic approach and assessment by an inter-professional team of stakeholders. There will be a nutritional evaluation, psychological evaluation, a weight loss plan, and medical clearance from the concerned departments, including the anaesthetic one.

Start by researching the procedure carefully. Ask your doctor if they have had this surgery before and the expected recovery time. Make sure you talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure.
Keep your expectations realistic – you will not wake up lean the day after surgery.
Rally for all kinds of support; you cannot do this surgery alone. Have someone from your family come in as your caregiver. Join an online support group.
Review your resources – medical assistance, nutrition guidance, exercise regime.
Identify and understand the risks of food cravings and addictions and seek medical help before the surgery.
Be ready for lifestyle changes in your daily life, such as taking it easy at work or not drinking liquids for 12 hours before bed.

Before surgery, you will have a pre-op appointment where you can ask your doctor any questions about the procedure, the procedure itself and what you will experience during your surgery. During this appointment, you and your doctor can review your diet and medications, if any. You may also want to ask about what you should do in the days before your surgery and what you can do to get yourself ready for surgery. And if you are undergoing pre-op testing, such as a blood test or an EKG, ensure you have all the results when you arrive at the hospital. Finally, if you have any pre-operative medications, bring them with you.

Procedure of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery could be either an Open Surgery or Laparoscopic Surgery. Most of the weight loss surgeries are done laparoscopically unless the patient is highly obese, has undergone any stomach surgery previously, or has other health complications.

Depending upon the need of the patient the surgeon will perform either Restrictive or Malabsoptive Surgery. The surgery will be done under general anesthesia.

With Bariatric surgery, you can bypass the struggle of weight loss journeys not yielding results. The patient will get hospitalised for a day or two. In that time, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and then insert a port so that the patient can get medication and fluids intravenously. Post-surgery, the patient will probably be free to go home. However, the patient may need to take it easy for a few days.

Comply With Your Post-Op Diet and Restrict your Food Choices

Post your Bariatric surgery, and your diet will be restricted once you return home. You will be able to eat only a tiny amount of food and nothing high in sugar. Your diet will consist of either clear liquids or thick, bland blended food. You will only be able to drink fluids with a straw or a cup with a lid. You will not be able to cook or eat anything that has sugar added to it. You must follow these rules the entire time you are on a post-op diet. If you need to eat something that has sugar, you are allowed to have fruit or honey. However, these are the only foods you can eat on your post-op diet. It is important to note that you will be allowed to eat only minimal food. Eating smaller portions throughout the day is better than eating a large meal in one sitting.

Stay Safe and Keep Track of When to Return to Normal Life

It is important to keep yourself safe during your recovery. Make sure you do not fall, get hurt, or go near any dangerous activity. It is also vital to track when it is safe to return to work or school. You should also ensure enough rest, especially during the first few weeks after surgery. It is also important that you drink plenty of fluids.

FAQs

1. Do we have to lose weight before bariatric surgery?

Answer – Yes, Some patients are asked to lose 10 percent of their weight before their weight loss surgery to avoid complications.

2. How long is the preparation for bariatric surgery?

Answer – The entire process from preparation to surgery involves an inter-professional team of stakeholders who will evaluate the patient on multiple aspects, which can be up to six months.

3. What is the preparation for bariatric surgery?

Answer – The preparation is a holistic approach and assessment by an inter-professional team of stakeholders. There will be a nutritional evaluation, psychological evaluation, a weight loss plan, and medical clearance from the concerned departments, including the anesthetic one.

4. Who cannot undergo bariatric surgery?

Answer – Those with BMI below 35 cannot undergo bariatric surgery.

5. What foods to avoid after bariatric surgery?

Answer – All forms of red meat, high fat, and greasy food, spicy and seasoned food, processed food, alcohol, sugars, and sweets.

6. What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

Answer – The risks are infection, blood clots, failure to lose weight, chronic nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, allergy to certain foods, etc.

Hernia July 1, 2022

What are the Different Types of Hernia?

There are different types of Hernia. All of them have common symptoms like a bulge, pain, and pressure. It is important to know what type of pain and at which part of the body so that you can administer the right treatment. Hernias are best treated with surgery.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is an abnormal bulging of abdominal organs when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in muscle/tissue in the abdominal wall. Typically, you will discover most hernias within the abdominal cavity between the chest and the hips.

Types of Hernia

Hernias are divided into several types based on where the bulge is located. A hernia can be congenital, which is present at birth. Or it can be acquired, caused by trauma or other factors. An acquired hernia is a “wound hernia” when abdominal organs protrude through an unnatural opening in the abdominal wall.

The most common types are

a. Inguinal Hernia (Inner Groin) – Mostly occurs in men due to a natural weakness in the groin, where the bladder or the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.

b. Femoral Hernia (Outer Groin) – Most common among women, especially obese or pregnant, where the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh.

c. Incisional Hernia (as a result of an incision) – Most common among elderly and overweight folks who are inactive after an abdominal surgery, where the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of abdominal surgery.

d. Hiatal Hernia (Upper Stomach) – Where the upper stomach pushes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes.

e. Umbilical Hernia (Belly Button) – Most common among newborns and obese women or those who have had many childbirths, where a part of the small intestine passes through the abdominal wall near the navel (aka belly button).

The less common types are

a. Giant Abdominal Wall Hernia – Most typical among those with incisional Hernia or another kind that keeps coming back, is hard to treat and may need surgery to fix it.

b. Epigastric Hernia (Epigastric Region – above the belly button and below the rib cage) – Common among men than women and in some newborn babies, where fat tissues push through a gap between the two sides of the abdominal muscles, namely the belly button and the lower part of the breastbone.

c. Spigelian Hernia – Commonly affects the intestines and omentum, where a layer of fat tissues pushes through the muscle below your navel like split like opening in the fascia.

Causes of Hernia

Increased pressure causes all types of hernias in the abdomen, fascia, and a combination of the following reasons.

a. Bad diet – Poor nutrition and a diet high in sugar can lead to weak abdominal muscles.

b. Bad posture and Balance while lifting heavy objects/weights – Careless lifting of heavy weights and objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles can lead to a hernia.

c. Disc problems – When the disc in your spine is compressed, it can pressure the nerves that control your muscles. This can cause your abdominal muscles to weaken.

d. Diarrhea, constipation, persistent sneezing, or coughing – These occurrences can weaken the muscles and lead to a hernia.

e. Pregnancy complications – While it’s rare, pregnancy-related weakening of abdominal muscles may lead to a hernia.

f. Poor lifestyle habits – Obesity and smoking can weaken muscles, leading to hernias.

Risk Factors of Hernia

The risk factors for Hernia are,

a. Obesity – If you have a high body mass index (BMI), you are at an increased risk of developing a hernia.

b. Sports injuries – If you’ve experienced frequent sports injuries to your abdomen, you are at an increased risk of developing a hernia.

c. Previous surgery – If you’ve had a previous surgery involving abdominal incisions and the abdominal wall is weak, you are at an increased risk of developing a hernia.

Symptoms of Hernia

The symptoms are many,

– A noticeable swelling, bulge, or lump in the abdomen/groin

– Mild to increased pain, pressure, or swelling at the bulge site.

– Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, or frequent regurgitation

– Dull aching sensation and feel that something is lodged in your intestines.

– Pain while lifting, laughing, crying, sneezing, or coughing.

Foods and Activities that cause Hernia and relieve Hernia

Exercising too intensely can strain your abdominal muscles and lead to an underlying weakness. This increases your risk of developing a hernia. Binge drinking alcohol can lead to abdominal muscle weakening, which puts you at risk of a hernia.

Drinking warm fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or sugary drinks, can relax the abdominal muscles and relieve hernia pain. Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and maintain normal urine pressure. Pushing hard during pregnancy or after giving birth can help work out the pressure in your abdominal muscles, relieving the pain of a hernia.

Prevention and Detection of Hernia

Hernias cannot be prevented since they occur due to an accidental combination of medical history and genetic makeup. However, in the interest of good health, we can do the following,

– Make sure you visit your doctor regularly for regular check-ups so they can detect any hernias early.

– Your doctor will likely check your abdomen to feel for a bulge.

– You should inspect your belly button to look for any abnormal bulges.

– Exercising regularly can help you maintain healthy, strong abdominal muscles and prevent them from weakening.

– Avoid any pressure on the abdominal wall like lifting weights

– Refrain from poor lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, or straining during bowel movements.

– Eat a high-fibre diet and stay hydrated.

Treatment of Hernia

The best treatment for hernias is to prevent them from happening. You should avoid activities that strain your abdominal muscles if you have a hernia. This will help to avoid a hernia. For most hernias, doctors will wait and watch for the abdominal wall to repair and heal but most hernias do not get healed on their own. More significant types of hernias like intestinal hernias may require surgical correction to improve the Hernia and the abdominal wall or prevent an emergency in case of an incarcerated hernia or a strangulated hernia.

Hernia surgery is minimally invasive in most cases for faster recovery and better outcome. In case of umbilical hernia in children, hernia surgery may be recommended if the hernia is large or has not healed by the age of 4-5 years. In case of adults, there are two kinds of surgery available for hernia which the doctor will take a call on the final recommendation –

Open Surgery – where a cut is made at the site of the hernia, and the protruding tissue is reset and the weakened muscle walls are sutured. A type of mesh is implanted for extra support.
Laparoscopic surgery – unlike an open surgery but with the same set of repairs, here tiny incisions are made for surgical tools to complete the procedure

Recovery from Hernia

You may be able to resume normal activities after hernia repair. One may need to rest and strengthen their abdominal muscles to prevent a recurrence. In some cases, it is likely to experience pain and discomfort for a few days and may experience constipation or nausea.

The following needs to be kept in mind,

a. It would help if you avoid heavy lifting or straining your abdominal muscles.

b. You should also avoid coughing or straining to pass urine because these can further weaken your weak muscles.

c. You should also drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and maintain normal urine pressure.

d. Follow-up care is essential after hernia surgery. You should return to your doctor for check-ups to ensure no complications.

e. You should also wear a compression garment after surgery to help to reduce swelling and pressure on your incision.

FAQs

1. What is the most common type of Hernia?

Answer – The most common types of Hernia are

– Inguinal Hernia (Inner Groin)

– Femoral Hernia (Outer Groin)

– Incisional Hernia (as a result of an incision)

– Hiatal Hernia (Upper Stomach)

– Umbilical Hernia (Belly Button)

2. What is the most common type of Hernia in males?

Answer – The most common type of Hernia in males is Inguinal Hernia ( Inner Groin) which mainly occurs due to a natural weakness in the groin, where the bladder or the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.

3. What is the most common type of Hernia in females?

Answer – The most common type of Hernia in females is Femoral Hernia (Outer Groin), especially in obese or pregnant women, where the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh.

4. Are there rare hernias?

Answer – Yes, Spigelian Hernia is a rare hernia.

5. Is Hernia life-threatening?

Answer – An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated and life-threatening if not treated on time.

6. What are the signs of Hernia?

Answer – Hernia signs are pain and a bulge around the abdomen or affected site.

7. What happens if the Hernia is not treated?

Answer – If the Hernia is not treated, it can become life-threatening.

8. Does Hernia require major surgery?

Answer – Yes, an intestinal Hernia may require surgery.

9. How painful is hernia surgery?

Answer – Hernia surgery is not painful because, at the time of surgery, the patient would be administered general anaesthesia. It is the period before surgery and post-surgery during recovery that the patient might experience pain.

10. What is the best treatment for Hernia?

Answer – Timely diagnosis of symptoms, proper lifestyle habits, and medical surgery, where applicable, is the best treatment for Hernia.

11. What foods cause Hernia?

Answer: Fatty, fried food, citrus fruits, spicy food, garlic, onion, and chocolate can trigger hernia symptoms.

12. What foods to avoid in case of Hernia?

Answer – Hernia patients should avoid foods with high sodium, fats and spices, chocolate, garlic and onion, citrus fruits, and fried food in case of Hernia.

Hip Replacement June 23, 2022

All That You Need to Know About the Causes and Treatment Options of Joint Pains

Introduction

Joint pain is a common condition affecting many people at some point in their lives. It can also be a symptom of other conditions. The causes of joint pain vary from person to person and often depend on the specific joint involved. Painful joints are usually caused by overuse, injury, or inflammation. Treating joint pain requires addressing the underlying cause and reducing any aggravating factors that could lead to further problems in the future.

What is joint pain?

The medical term for joint pain is arthralgia and must not be confused with arthritis (means inflammation of the joint). Joint pain is a generalized discomfort in the joints. It is generally felt in the joints and surrounding tissues such as muscles. The joints most commonly affected by joint pain are the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. The intensity and duration of joint pain can be influenced by genetics, age, gender, and lifestyle (such as diet and exercise).

Kinds of joint pain

There are 3 categories of joint pain, namely the following,

1. Non-displaced pain – The most common type of joint pain affecting around 70% of the population is non-displaced joint pain. It occurs due to wear and tear of the joint, injury, or arthritis and is often a result of ageing.

2. Displaced, subluxation and pathologic joint pain – Displaced pain is pain that is located outside of the joint. Subluxation is joint pain that results from the abnormal movement of the joint, and pathologic pain is pain that is caused by an underlying disease and typically results from inflammation.

3. No joint pain – Joint pain that does not have a specific cause is known as “no joint pain.” It is uncommon and can occur due to systemic diseases such as kidney stones or hormonal changes.

Causes of Joint pain

The possible causes of joint pain will depend on age and activity. The joint pain reasons in children will differ from the causes of joint pain in adults. The commons causes are

1. Overuse or repetitive joint movements – Over time, the muscles around a joint can become weak or damaged. This can lead to joint pain due to the inflammation that the damaged muscles try to repair themselves.

2. Articular cartilage damage – Overuse and repetitive movements can damage the cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and inflammation.

3. Muscular injuries – Unintentional or overexercised muscles can become too tight, causing pain and signals to the brain.

4. Arthritis – Joint inflammation is the common cause of joint pain. It can occur due to an injury, joint damage, or an underlying disease such as arthritis.

5. Infectious diseases – Joint inflammation caused by an infection can occur due to an existing injury, damage to the joint, or a viral infection like COVID.

6. Congenital joint abnormalities – Joint abnormalities at birth (congenital) can lead to pain and disability.

Symptoms of Joint Pain

The symptoms of joint pain depend on the cause of the pain. The symptoms of joint pain can vary depending on the person but may include:

1. Swelling – This is a common symptom of joint pain and accompanies periods of inflammation.

2. Pain – Joint pain is the most common symptom of joint inflammation.

3. Weakness – Joint pain can also result in muscle weakness, preventing the person from performing joint-related activities such as walking or standing.

4. Reduced range of motion – Joint pain can restrict joint movement, preventing full movement in the joint.

Risk Factors of Joint Pain

The factors that can increase one’s risk of developing joint pain include:

1. Overuse or repetitive joint movements – Overuse of a joint can damage muscles and ligaments that support the joint. This can result in pain and reduced joint movement.

2. Age – As people age, their joints become more susceptible to damage and inflammation, causing joint pain.

3. Injury – Joint damage can also cause joint pain.

4. Arthritis – People with arthritis are more likely to develop joint pain.

5. Heredity – Certain genetic conditions can predispose people to joint pain.

6. Smoking – Smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing joint pain.

Foods and activities that cause Joint Pain

The following are some foods and activities that we must avoid to curb joint pain,

1. Overeating – Excessive weight and overconsumption of certain foods are both associated with an increased risk of joint pain.

2. Lack of sleep – Sleep is essential for the repair and maintenance of the joints. Lack of sleep can lead to joint pain. Heavily exercised muscles – Exercising a joint leads to muscle damage, which can result in joint pain.

3. Back pain – Weak or injured muscles in the back can lead to back pain and joint stiffness.

4. Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to joint pain through damage to muscles and ligaments.

5. Foods – Sugar, Alcohol, Processed Food, Salt, Processed Meat, and Gluten-rich food.

Foods and activities that relieve Joint Pain

The following are some foods and activities that relieve joint pain,

1. Rest – Resting the joint after exercise or performing joint-related movements like walking.

2. Ice – Ice applied to the joint can reduce inflammation and pain by reducing swelling.

3. Heat – Warmth applied to the joint has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pain and swelling.

4. Elevation – Keeping the joint above the heart level can prevent damage to the joint and reduce pain.

5. Gentle movements – Gentle joint movements, such as rotating the joint instead of swinging it, can prevent damage to the joint.

6. Foods – Omega 3 Fatty Acids rich foods, Nuts and Seeds, Lentils, Colourful Fruits, Whole Grains and Root Vegetables

Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery From Joint Pain

You should immediately see a doctor if you experience joint pain with swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth around the joint. While joint pain can be frustrating and inconvenient, it is essential to remember that it is usually not a severe life-threatening health problem. It can also signify a serious underlying condition such as arthritis or covid in the backdrop of the pandemic. The underlying cause will determine the mode of treatment.

The analysis of pain will also determine the next steps like

– Losing weight (for overweight and obese patients)

– Regular exercise and physiotherapy

– Avoiding overuse or exertion of the affected joint

– Healthy nutrition

– Regular massage to help relieve the pain until resolution

-Rehabilitation exercises, medical treatment, and joint strengthening to restore joint function and prevent further damage

By taking appropriate steps to treat the underlying cause and strengthen the muscles around the joint, joint pain can be easily resolved without treatment or with medicines and some self-care. Some joint pains may require long-term treatment and involve a rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physiotherapist.

FAQs

1. What is the leading cause of joint pain?

Answer – The leading causes of joint pain are Overuse or repetitive joint movements, Articular cartilage damage, Muscular injuries, Arthritis, Infectious diseases and Congenital joint abnormalities.

2. How to stop joint pain due to age?

Answer – We can delay joint pay due to age by adopting Moderate Exercise, Adequate Rest, Healthy Nutrition and avoiding excess sugar, salt, processed food and alcohol.

3. What is the best treatment for joint pain?

Answer – The best treatment for joint pain is rest, ice, compression and elevation of the affected joint in terms of self-care.

4. What foods cause joint pain?

Answer – Sugar, Alcohol, Processed Food, Salt, Processed Meat, and Gluten-rich food.

5. What foods to avoid in joint pain?

Answer – Sugar, Alcohol, Processed Food, Salt, Processed Meat, and Gluten-rich food.

6. Will drinking water help in relieving joint pain?

Answer – There is no scientific evidence that drinking water relieves pain though it can keep the joint sufficiently hydrated to ease inflammation.

7. Is sunlight good for joint pain?

Answer – Yes, sunlight is good for joint pain. Though they don’t help reduce inflammation, they improve muscle health.

Knee Replacement April 7, 2022

A Guide to Robotic Knee Surgery

You might feel that your life has changed after arthritis, but the advent of robotic knee replacement surgery and new treatment methods are working wonders to improve the lives of those suffering from osteoarthritis. A knee replacement surgery adheres to traditional methods, but the assistance of a robotic arm helps in reducing recovery time. Read on for greater insight.

If you suffer from severe knee pain and feel that your life, independence, and confidence have suffered a significant setback as no other therapy is helping to reduce pain, it is time to go for robotic knee replacement surgery. Your knee follows simple body mechanics and is an exceedingly hardworking joint. When you walk, you use the knee, couch, stand, and sit. Your knee works with a system of bone, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and nerves. All it takes to upset the balance is an injury at any stage of your life or arthritis or other causes that damage the area. In such a condition, when your knee fails to perform, a knee replacement surgery is the only way to enjoy a better life.

How successful is knee replacement surgery?

Expert surgeons in India claim that knee replacement can have a 95% success rate. Patients experience pain relief after surgery, which remains for the next 15-20 years. Patients, too, must follow post-operative care suggested by the physicians. A combination of the correct lifestyle with the proper operative procedure will increase the lifetime of the implant to even 30 years.

However, with the advantage of Robotic Knee Surgery, the success rate is almost 100%. The recovery rate is also higher, and the effects of the surgery last longer than traditional surgery. Nonetheless, before undergoing robotic surgery, doctors advise many lifestyle modifications. The original mechanics of the knee are, without a doubt, irreplaceable. Therefore, losing weight through exercising, physical therapy, intra-articular shots, and knee braces are recommended. Suppose none of these impact the patient’s knee; robotic knee surgery or a knee replacement surgery is the only way out. The surgery is not just confined to those in the higher age group. Still, those below 60 suffering from knee injuries or other knee irregularities can seek surgery as a better option to alleviate their pain.

How is a Robotic Knee Surgery done?

The operative procedure, using robotic technology, is connected to hardware calibrated with a handpiece. Surgeons perform surgery through minimally invasive means. This mode of surgery limits blood loss to a minimum. The active robotic sensors map the replacement location and proceed with autonomous resection with utmost precision. The machine alerts the surgeon of movement and guides them to replace the prosthetics at the exact location. The procedure leaves nothing to chance, and the degree of accuracy is 100%.

What post-operative care must you follow?

After the operation, patients are encouraged to move their foot and ankle, increasing the blood flow in the area and the muscles, preventing swelling or blood clots. The patient will be directed to perform breathing exercises, and a physical therapist will instruct the patient to include some activities in their lifestyle. If followed by patients, the care instructions will help them recover faster and reap the benefits of a healthy operated knee.

What are the benefits of robotic Knee Replacement Surgery?

Before undergoing robotic knee replacement surgery, one must understand that the surgeons introduce prosthetics in the knee area. Each human knee is shaped differently; the surgeon removes the cartilage and installs prosthetics of the right size in place. The shape is mapped in a 3D image, and the size is maintained to the nearest millimeter. The replacement procedure ensures greater accuracy, less post-operative pain, and better longevity with the exact specifications and size.

Faster Recovery

The recovery rate is faster than any other surgical procedure. Pain is reduced to a minimum of 2 weeks post-surgery. The chances of infections are minimized with recovery time reduced to half of the traditional surgery, allowing patients to return to their everyday lives faster.

Remember that your orthopaedic surgeon controls the surgery throughout the operation procedure, and robots are just additional assistant tools. The surgery procedure is enhanced with the collaboration of robots delivering many successful outcomes. After recovering, you can engage in various tasks, from generally walking to swimming and biking; sports like golf is advocated. However, high-impact activities that include running or jogging, running sports should be limited, and you must always stay in touch with your doctor.