Dr Aubrey Smith, Orthopedic Surgery
Shoulder Surgery, Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery
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Dr Aubrey Smith, Orthopedic Surgery
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Arthritis News As always, this is for educational use and is not a substitute for going to the doctor.
In a recent article by Ronald Navarro, MD, new concepts in the management of osteoarthritis were noted. The article appeared in Orthopaedic Special Edition, Number 2 of 2, 2001. 21 Million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a general term that refers to a disorder that affects the articular surface of joints. The white shiny surface of the joint that smoothly moves and cushions is made of articular cartilage. This cartilage is made of different components and it is thought that the disease osteoarthritis is really an imbalance between the making and the degradation of the articular cartilage. It is well documented that weight loss (for weight bearing joints) and restriction of activity can be beneficial to lessen the pain associated with arthritis. Your orthopaedic surgeon can prescribe medications, consider steroid shots in severe cases, or even consider arthroscopic surgery. Eventually, a new joint replacement can be thought of as an option as a decision that is made between the patient and the surgeon. What's new? Glucosamine is the big topic of discussion these days. In Dr. Navarro's article, there are the references in the scientific literature that support the use of Glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. There is preliminary evidence that glucosamine may exert a favorable influence on the course of the disease. There is also some evidence that, although slower acting, glucosamine may be as helpful in the treatment of symptoms of osteoarthritis as some traditional medications that you can get through your doctor. Chondroitin sulfate may also be beneficial. At the most recent meeting of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there was evidence that the combination of glucosamine hydrochloride or sulfate in combination with chondroitin sulfate may be better than either one alone. There is some evidence that the recently marketed N-acetyl glucosamine may not be as effective as the other forms of glucosamine mentioned above. What can be concluded here? First of all, patients and doctors are at a disadvantage because these compounds are not regulated by the usual constraints imposed on the pharmaceutical industry which hopefully protect us all. Although there is evidence that some of these compounds may be helpful and have few side effects, only really preliminary evidence exists. Dr. Navarro points out clearly that when label claims and researched specifications are not met, questions regarding safety and efficacy should be raised. Check with your doctor before making decisions about treatment plans. Go to www.orthopedicse.com to read Dr. Navarro's complete article. If you want to learn more about the Academy statements on Glucosamine and Chondroitin, click on my website at the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found below. Click on the area "Patient Info/Office Forms" and then scroll down to "Glucosamine and Chondroitin". Be patient if you aren't high speed on the internet. The list is extensive. http://OrthoDoc.aaos.org/DrAubreySmith
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Last modified08/23/09: |