[Click! Health] Understanding 'Artificial Joint Surgery' as a Treatment Option for Severe Degenerative Arthritis

Arthritis stock photo. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] As society enters an aging era, the number of patients suffering from severe knee pain due to degenerative arthritis is increasing. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of degenerative arthritis patients in South Korea rose from 2.6 million in 2015 to 2.89 million last year, an increase of nearly 300,000 over six years.

Degenerative knee arthritis is a condition characterized by damage to the knee joint cartilage, causing joint pain and movement disorders. Although onset begins in youth, symptoms mostly appear after the age of 60. Pain typically occurs when walking or standing for long periods, or when standing up after sitting for a long time. Pain can worsen especially when going up or down stairs or squatting. Sometimes, the pain can disrupt sleep at night.

Symptoms include decreased joint range of motion, swelling (edema), and tenderness around the joint. When cartilage loss and degeneration cause the joint surface to become irregular, stiffness and friction noises may be felt during joint movement. These symptoms generally progress gradually and may show intermittent improvement and worsening.

If severe pain continues, surgical treatment can be considered. In the past, it was difficult to perform surgical treatment as it was regarded as a natural aging process, but with advances in medicine and the advent of artificial joint surgery, it is now possible. “Knee artificial joint surgery” is a procedure that removes the worn knee cartilage caused by degenerative knee arthritis and inserts a medical-grade artificial joint in its place. Orthopedic specialist Lee Yong-jun of H Plus Yangji Hospital explained, “It is a surgery that relieves severe knee joint pain and restores the function of muscles and ligaments that control the joint, joint stability, and range of motion, helping to improve walking ability and return to active daily life.”

Artificial joint surgery is recognized as one of the most successful surgical methods in American orthopedics, with proven effectiveness. Since surgery is decided based on accurate tests, diagnosis, and consideration of the patient's age, diagnosis by a skilled specialist is essential. When arthritis progresses causing joint damage, bow-legged (‘O’-shaped leg) deformity, and uncontrollable pain, the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with an artificial joint.

After surgery, maintaining a normal weight is important as it reduces joint load. Excessive exercise is not good for the joints, but with proper adjustment after consulting a specialist, muscle strengthening and recovery of joint range of motion can be aided.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.