ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis is a widespread disease leading to physical disability affecting quality of life. It is primarily regarded as a cartilage disease but affect all tissues of a joint. Osteoarthritis can be regarded as an organ failure. Knee osteoarthritis is common in Kuwait, especially in women. The main symptoms are pain, stiffness and weakness affecting knee function. The diagnosis is made by history and clinical examination. A weight-bearing radiograph will fully establish the diagnosis. Many of the patients are also obese, diabetic, hypertensive or affected by other organ failures. The aim is to reduce knee pain and improve knee function which is also beneficial for the other diseases. Initially, we recommend self-management by information about knee osteoarthritis, daily exercise of any type which is pleasant for the individual like walking 10-30 minutes once or twice daily in order to induce light to moderate cartilage load. Further, regular muscle training to increase especially pelvis and lower leg strength and realistic programs to reduce weight is advised. Regular support by a primary care doctor, a physiotherapist or a coach is beneficial.The programisde manding, as it means a change of life-style. Different modalities of non-operative treatment are physiotherapy, pharmacological treatment by analgesics / NS AIDs / glucosamine and injection of steroids or hyaluronic acid. The effect of the pharmacological treatment programs vary. Often the outcome, by evidence based research, is low or at best moderate. If self-management and non-operative treatment fails and the symptoms are pronounced, surgery is an option. Knee prosthesis is the main alternative
ABSTRACT
Since 1984, 577 knee arthroplasty operations were performed in Al Razi Orthopedic hospital in Kuwait. An increase in the number of these operations occurred during the last four years and in 2007 there were almost 100 knee arthroplasty operations performed. Six out of seven operated patients were female. The mean age at operation was 67 years for male and 62 years for female patients. The vast majority were of the total knee arthroplasty type. In Sweden, with a total population of almost 10 million people, 10,544 primary knee prosthesis were implanted during 2006. In Kuwait, there is no certain statistics regarding the actual number of knee arthroplasty operations as Kuwaiti patients are also operated in private hospitals within and outside the country. It is estimated that 200 - 300 knee arthroplasty operations are performed annually on Kuwaitis. In order to get better epidemiological data and in order to improve the quality assurance of Knee and Hip arthroplasty operations in Kuwait, we propose that a national register is organised. National registers are in use in many other countries. The main indication for a knee arthroplasty is to relieve knee pain and to improve knee function. The operation allows for an active life-style. An active lifestyle, with more walking, is an advantage not only for the knee, but also for the general health. It also helps to better control other diseases like diabetes and obesity. The use of knee arthroplasties in Kuwait is increasing and the outcome of the procedure is generally favorable. It is not an overstatement to say that a well functioning knee arthroplasty means an increased quality of the whole life