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Can we avoid a joint replacement?

July 15, 2021 December 5th, 2025

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of articular cartilage, a smooth structure covering a joint surface. Once it is worn off the bone surfaces start to rub causing pain and crepitating sounds, causing pain and joint to swell. When one side wears off faster than the other it causes deformities and alignment change in weight-bearing axis causing pain in other joints and opposite side. As more people live longer, we see more people getting it during the elderly years.

Can we prevent or delay the onset?

Yes, at early age you should think of bone friendly diets such as vitamin D, Calcium, glucosamines, chondroitins, and methylsulfonyls. Having an ideal weight for height is essential (BMI). Regular exercises to keep muscles and bones health and strong is crucial for healthy joints. Any deformities should be corrected early.

How can we treat it?

Yes, but the treatment options change from the stage of disease and age of the patient.

Age of the person / Stage of the disease

Pain killers,
Balms, Gels

Support
devices,
Guards

Joint
injections

Joint
presevation
surgeries

Joint
Replacement
surgeries

It is important to work early with your doctor and plan how you can protect and preserve your natural birth joint as much as possible. Once the joint is fully destroyed then there still is a good option a joint replacement.

However, it is important talk to your orthopaedic surgeon what type of treatment is best for you. Depending on your age, severity of pain your lifestyle, and severity of disease. There are many modern treatment options that are available, and these should be considered before going for a joint replacement.

Joint replacement is one of the most performed and very successful operations in the world. It is projected over 300 per 100000 population will need a knee replacement. Knee and Hip replacements are the commonest two joints replaced.

It is important to get more information about osteoarthritis and available treatment modalities before deciding on a joint replacement.

Dr. Hiran Amarasekera

MBBS, MS(Col), FCSSL, FRCS(Ed), MPhil (Warwick)
PGA (Pain Management)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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