Young man suffering from knee pain at home

Surgically Treatment of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

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A traumatic injury to a joint – such as a car accident or fall – has a very high risk of becoming arthritic in your later years. High-impact sporting activities – for example, running, tennis, gymnastics, skiing, rugby – also have a high likelihood of leading to osteoarthritis in your lifetime. This condition is known as post-traumatic arthritis and can be treated with surgery when other non-invasive remedies fail. John R. Moore, IV MD, has been practicing as an orthopedic surgeon since 2001 in Pinehurst, NC, and has the experience to determine if you can benefit from joint surgery.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

Any substantial injury to your joints can cause post-traumatic arthritis. This condition causes pain and stiffness to the affected joints after an injury or long-term, high-impact sporting activity.

Most common joints affected by post-traumatic arthritis:

  • Elbows
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Ankles

Any arthritic condition resulting from a post-traumatic injury will adversely affect your ability to comfortably sit, walk, run, play sports, or take part in physical activities you have done in the past.

The debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include:

  • Tenderness to touch
  • Stiffness in movement
  • Uncomfortable swelling
  • Chronic pain

Post-Traumatic Arthritis Surgery

There may come a time when you reach an intolerance for your chronic pain and decreased mobility in the affected joint to merit replacement surgery. After opting for and recovering from replacement surgery, you may wonder why you waited for such a long time to finally act. This is because one’s quality of life is greatly enhanced.

If post-traumatic arthritis is limiting your quality of life, surgery may be an option to reclaim function in the affected joint.

Methods of surgery include:

  • This is the removal or cleaning up of damaged tissue or your bones are reshaped to alleviate arthritic symptoms.
  • Joint Fusion. Known as arthrodesis, joint fusion is the insertion of a plate secured by screws to hold the affected joint together, lessening symptoms of arthritis.
  • Joint Replacement. Known as arthroplasty, this is the replacement of your damaged joint with an artificial one made of plastic, ceramic, or metal.

Discover Surgery Options For Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Be proactive and reach out to Dr. John Moore at Pinehurst Surgical in North Carolina to see if you are a candidate for post-traumatic arthritis surgery. Call 910-295-0224 to begin your search for surgical help with your affected joint.