Abstract
This paper proposes a study to review the efficacy of a disease management program for osteoarthritis (OA) in a primary care setting, based on preservation of joint function as well as adequate pain management. For the purposes of this study, the following question is asked: "How does a primary care based medical and educational management program effect the disease progression in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis as evidenced by a reduction in pain and progression of disease?" The author hypothesizes that it is insufficient to provide self-administered education programs for OA patients and that an interactive program containing education, pain management, hands on evaluation and frequent follow up will demonstrate patient reports of reduction in daily pain as well as objective demonstration of preservation of function, as evidenced by serial physical examination.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
Research Design

From the Paper
"Conversely, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology reports there was no significant improvement in patient function or pain related to implementation of the Arthritis Self Management Program (ASMP). Subjects were recruited for intervention and evaluated at baseline as well as four months after completion of the course or reading of the ASMP manual (This group functioned as the control for the study). No significant clinical benefits were noted at four months in patients who had been recruited from primary care practices, although the authors were able to note an improvement in other patient groups, such as those who had been referred for specialty care. "

Tags:pain, chronic, disease

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the disease of arthritis. Specifically, the paper discusses the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and their commonalities. The writer notes that, although there are many types of arthritis, these two are the most common. Both of these forms of arthritis can be debilitating and painful. The writer points out that they can also lead to other complications, such as surgery and continued medication for pain. Arthritis is serious because it cannot be cured, only treated, and because it affects so many Americans and their daily lives. The writer concludes that arthritis should be a top research priority in America, because curing or preventing the disease could make a real difference in so many people's lives. One of the source articles used is appended to the paper.

From the Paper
"The symptoms of the disease include stiffness after remaining in one position for a long time (such as sitting or sleeping), a sound of bone rubbing on bone or crunching when the bone is used, swelling or pain in the joint, and tenderness in the joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs, along with mild exercise and even re-alignment of misaligned joints, can treat osteoarthritis. Topical treatments, such as creams and hot and cold packs can also be effective in many cases. X-rays are the most common way to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, but a doctor may order joint aspiration in cases that are more difficult to diagnose. Often, the most effective treatment for this form of arthritis is surgery to replace the damaged joints. It is the most common reason most Americans undergo hip and knee surgery, and most patients report success and far less pain in those joints after surgery."
"Rheumatoid arthritis does not have as many sufferers as osteoarthritis, and it has different symptoms and treatments. This form of the disease can actually affect other areas of the body, such as the blood supply and lungs, and it is actually causes by inflammation of the joint lining, which causes loss of movement, pain, and swelling."

Tags:joints, cartilage, pain, bones

Abstract
The paper defines osteoarthritis as the most common form of arthritis, mostly affecting senior citizens progressively with age, though trauma-induced osteoarthritis is also observed in younger people. The paper looks at the results of osteoarthritis on the bones and cartilage. It shows how it affects different areas of the body, as well as the frequency and demographics of this ailment. Other issues covered in the paper are signs and symptoms, diagnosis and radiology, treatment and intervention, self-care and research.

From the Paper
"There are two types of osteoarthritis which pathologically manifest similarly though for different reasons. The less common type secondary osteoarthritis occurs from stress on bones of the hand, hips and knees which are typically involved in manual or weight bearing operations. The secondary kind is often seen in younger people. The reasons for occurrence of the more common type primary osteoarthritis observed in seniors are ambiguous at best. There is no apparent initiation for primary osteoarthritis."

Tags:joints, Hormome, ReplacementTherapy, Heberden's, nodes, bone, misalignment

Abstract
"Between 20 and 40 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition in which the normally spongy cartilage between bones deteriorates so that bones rub together, causing stiffness, debilitating pain, fluid in the joints and inflammation.

From the Paper
"Between 20 and 40 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition in which the normally spongy cartilage between bones deteriorates so that bones rub together, causing stiffness, debilitating pain, fluid in the joints and inflammation. This paper will look at two new over-the-counter supplements, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are being used to treat different forms of arthritis.
In healthy joints, cartilage makes a slippery, lubricating cushion between bones that allows for easy movement (Fraser 46). Injuries, overuse, or age can wear cartilage down, leaving bone grinding against bone. Half of all people over 65 have this version of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a wearing away of joint cartilage and a thickening of the lubricant-containing synovial tissues which insulate contact of ..."

From the Paper
" HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS
Introduction
Osteoarthritis is found to be the most common form of arthritis. Studies show that around five percent of the US population is affected with hip or knee osteoarthritis and over 70 percent of total hip and knee replacements are for osteoarthritis (5). Research demonstrates that most people over the age of 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disorder. Prevalence of hand, hip, and knee OA is found to increase with age and is higher in women than in men. OA causes disability in the elderly and impacts the cost of care for that population. Studies show that people with OA have higher rates of mortality than those without the disease. Radiographic evidence of the disease is focused on, however many.."

Abstract
The paper looks at how Payne, Mowen and Rodriguez (2006) stipulate that in excess of 42 million people in the United States have arthritis and that it is responsible for over $51 billion in health care costs today (p. 20). The paper relates that at the current time, it is estimated that by the year 2012, there will be over 60 million people suffering from osteoarthritis, which is considered the most disabling disease affecting the older population of the nation. The paper discusses how Fries (1999) states that individuals with osteoarthritis are usually diagnosed between the ages of 45-90 (p. 10; Burke & Laramie, 2000, p. 34; Rees, 2003, p. 6).

Tags:exercise, elderly, health

Abstract
The paper provides a review of studies that highlight how patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) is a vital tool for patients affected by conditions that cause a significant impairment of motor functions. The paper shows how PENS increases physical performance in patients suffering from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic back pain and post stroke rehabilitation. The paper also highlights how PENS is an effective alternative method of maintaining muscular activity in patients for whom other forms of stimulation such as exercises are contra indicated.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Patterned Electrical neuromuscular Stimulation is one of the innovative technologies used in the treatment of muscular dysfunction caused by a wide variety of degenerative diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other chronic conditions that affect normal motor function. PENS are based on normal firing pattern and thus feeds the affected peripheral muscles with normal electrical signals. PENS imitates the EMG pattern of a normal organ or tissue and so helps to reactivate the associated undamaged motor neurons. PENS reduces the muscular atrophy due to disuse and increases the volitional range of movement and activity of the affected muscle tissues. It is a very effective tool for improving gait, balance and mobility among elderly."

Tags:osteoarthritis, back, pain, rehabilitation, stroke, gait, balance, mobility, elderly

Abstract
The paper beings by looking at osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It then looks at actin and myosin and how they interact in muscle contraction. Next, the paper looks at the intestinal villi and specialized cells found there.

From the Paper
"Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which is progressive and causes a gradual loss of cartilage resulting in the development of bony spurs and cysts on the joint margins. The name comes from the Greek words for bone joint and inflammation. Osteoarthritis causes disability because it limits movements of the joint. It results from deterioration or loss of cartilage from weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips and as the cartilage is worn away the bones rub together forming spurs which are areas of abnormal hardening...

Tags:osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, actin, myosin, intestinal villi

Abstract
This paper looks at how 144,000 total hip arthroplasties are performed annually in the United States and how, of these, approximately 100,000 are due to osteoarthritis of the hip joint. It examines how candidates for total hip replacements most commonly present with pain and often with reduced range of motion and how a total hip arthroplasty is performed only when all other possible methods of treatment have failed. It shows how the main cause for choosing this treatment option is osteoarthritis, the degeneration of articular cartilage in the joint, and how other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, post traumatic arthritis, and congenital deformities.

Outline
Clinical Applications
Anatomy
Procedure
Problems
Image-Guided Robotic Approach

From the Paper
"The intraoperative problems associated with total hip arthroplasty are thrombophlebitis (a blood clot in the large veins of the leg), infection, nerve injury, vascular injury, cement reaction/fat embolus, and fracture/canal perforation3,4. During the surgery, the most difficult step is obtaining proper alignment and positioning of the acetabular cup. This is important because it will affect the range of motion and the loading of the joint, as well as directly affecting the life of the implant. A cup protector must be utilized to protect the acetabular cup from scratches from bone, instruments, and debris. It is also imperative to sufficiently ream the femoral canal and to apply an even cement mantle. Additional problems commonly seen postoperatively include stem subsidence, dislocation, aseptic loosening, wear that can lead to systemic effects, weakening of surrounding bone (bone resorption), instability, and fracture."

Tags:acetabular, acetabulum, bone, femoral, joint

Abstract
The paper discusses the three types of arthritis, namely rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The paper describes the problems associated with arthritis and the common misperceptions of the disease. It also discusses the important link between sports, exercise and arthritis and the social and economic cost of arthritis. A list of the treatments for arthritis is given. The paper presents which areas of research into arthritis could be extended.

Table of Contents

Problem Statement
Literature Review
Introduction
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Causes of Arthritis
Treatments Available
Current Research
Arthritis and Athletic Activities
Research Needed
Learning Outcome

From the Paper
"Arthritis is said to be the number one cause of disability in the United States, with more individuals disabled with arthritis than by both heart disease and strokes (Lewis 2000). Arthritis is also a disease that is plagued with misunderstanding. The Center for Disease Control warns that it is these misunderstandings that result in the disease doing so much harm (Lewis 2000)."

Tags:research, treatment, arthritis, joints