Osteoarthritis

Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, led by Stephen Raterman, MD, can address the complications caused by osteoarthritis as it affects the knees and hips. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, is characterized by the “wear and tear” that happens to the bone, cartilage, and tendons that comprise a joint. The process of degeneration begins with the deterioration of the cartilage, typically due to aging or to overuse. The incidence of this form of arthritis increases with age, and most people have it in one or more joints by age 75.

Osteoarthritis can cause a slew of symptoms as the joint breaks down, including pain (which may worsen in certain types of weather), stiffness, weakness, and even joint deformities. Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured or reversed, after a patient receives a proper diagnosis, the complications caused by it can be addressed through noninvasive and surgical approaches.

At Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, Dr. Raterman specializes in treating knees and hips that have worn down, whether it’s due to sports injuries or aging-related wear and tear.

For people who haven’t found sufficient relief from their osteoarthritis symptoms through nonsurgical methods, he offers different approaches, including:

Hip or knee arthroscopy
Hip joint resurfacing
Anterior approach minimally invasive hip replacement

These surgical procedures offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on the progression of each patient’s osteoarthritis, overall health, and other factors. That’s why Dr. Raterman considers patients’ individual needs before recommending the course of action he think will best help them restore function and return to their active lifestyles.

For more information about Dr. Raterman and how he can help patients who have exhausted their nonsurgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knees or hips, contact Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today.

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