Celling Treatment Centers

The premier provider of musculoskeletal educational to orthopedic surgeons around the world is The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Founded in 1933, the AAOS has issued guidelines for the treatment of arthritis.

The AAOS has also provided general information on stem cells.

At CELLING TREATMENT CENTERS, we encourage patients to follow the AAOS guidelines first as these will likely reduce pain and increase function.

For moderate to severe arthritis, CELLING TREATMENT CENTERS provides alternative solutions for those who fail conventional treatments or choose alternatives.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Recommendations

Nonsurgical Treatment

Early, nonsurgical treatment can slow progression of osteoarthritis, increase motion, and improve strength. Most treatment programs combine lifestyle modifications, medication, and physical therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications

The doctor may recommend rest or a change in activities to avoid provoking osteoarthritis pain. This may include modifications in work or sports activities. It may mean switching from high-impact activities (such as aerobics, running, jumping, or competitive sports) to low-impact exercises (such as stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling). A weight loss program may be recommended, if needed, particularly if osteoarthritis affects weight-bearing joints (such as the knee, hip, spine, or ankle) Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend strong anti-inflammatory agents called corticosteroids, which are injected directly into the joint. Corticosteroids provide temporary relief of pain and swelling.

Dietary supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help relieve pain from osteoarthritis. (Caution: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not test or analyze dietary supplements. Always consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements. )

Physical Therapy

A balanced fitness program, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy may improve joint flexibility, increase range of motion, reduce pain, and strengthen muscle, bone, and cartilage tissues. Supportive or assistive devices (such as a brace, splint, elastic bandage, cane, crutches, or walker) may be needed. Ice or heat may need to be applied to the affected joint for short periods, several times a day.

Surgical Treatment

If early treatments do not stop the pain or if they lose their effectiveness, surgery may be considered. The decision to treat surgically depends upon the age and activity level of the patient, the condition of the affected joint, and the extent to which osteoarthritis has progressed.

Surgical options for osteoarthritis include arthroscopy, osteotomy, joint fusion, and joint replacement.

Arthroscopy

A surgeon uses a pencil-sized, flexible, fiberoptic instrument (arthroscope) to make two or three small incisions to remove bone spurs, cysts, damaged lining, or loose fragments in the joint.

Osteotomy

The long bones of the arm or leg are realigned to take pressure off of the joint.

Joint fusion

A surgeon eliminates the joint by fastening together the ends of bone (fusion). Pins, plates, screws, or rods may hold bones in place while they heal. This procedure eliminates the joint's flexibility.

Joint replacement

A surgeon removes parts of the bones and creates an artificial joint with metal or plastic components (total joint replacement or arthroplasty