Rehabilitation News

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 27 million U.S. residents, 11% of the population.1 The risk of mobility disability (defined as needing help walking or climbing stairs) attributable to knee OA alone is greater than that due to any other medical condition in people 65 and older,2,3 and causes aggregate annual medical care expenditures of $185.5 billion (1.3% of the gross domestic product).4

A 66-year-old woman presents to her physiatrist with a chief complaint of right knee pain that limits her ability to climb stairs and walk her dog during obedience and skill training. Her pain has consequently tempered her enthusiasm for meeting a group of friends for lunch who also bring their dogs for training every week.

Below is a sampling of research underway in osteoarthritis, reported in poster sessions at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International World Congress on Osteoarthritis, September 15-18, 2011, in San Diego, CA.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an extremely common and disabling chronic condition. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide approximately 10% of men and 18% of women ages 60 and older have symptomatic OA of any site; specific regional estimates for knee OA are shown in the Figure.1

A Norweigan walking skills training program has significantly increased physical performance in patients undergoing rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.

Why should OA be considered a chronic disease that affects multiple structures within a joint?

Manipulation under anesthetic for patients demonstrating stiffness following primary total knee arthroplasty, if done within 12 months, may help improve range of motion — but only a portion of this improvement is ultimately maintained.

DUBLIN — Using a hinged brace after treating medial collateral ligament injuries had no effect in returning function in range of motion, according to a presenter here.

Elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls were found to be no more active than patients who did not fall, according to a study from the University of Texas.

Individuals who experience more movement at the hips and knees may be less likely to suffer from chronic instability of the ankle, according to a recent study published in Clinical Biomechanics journal examining how people move their hip and knee joints before and after ankle sprains.