Arthritis of the Hip & Knee: The Active Person's Guide to Taking Charge

Nearly 16 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage in joints, most commonly of the hip and knee. This book highlights the substantial advances in medical science made over the last 20 years in the treatment of hip and knee problems, many of which are not well known to potential patients. ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP & KNEE helps patients understand the value of becoming actively involved in the decision-making process surrounding their treatment by covering: *causes, treatment, options, and disease progression; *advice on living with osteoarthritis; *preoperative therapy; *surgery: cost and benefits, options, procedures, and improved techniques; *postoperative therapy and advice on living with an implant; *the future of joint replacement; and *interviews with hip and knee patients. ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP & KNEE is the collaborative effort of three people, each contributing a unique insight into the treatment of osteoarthritis and the rehabilitation process. Ron Allen-the patient-had one of his hips replaced at the age of 40, and the other at the age of 45. David Stulberg-the orthopedic surgeon-performed Ron's operation. Physiatrist Victoria Brander supervised Ron's rehabilitation following his second surgery.