General Practitioners Guide to Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Based on RACGP Algorithm for Diagnosis & Management of Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Diagnosis Based on
- History
- Clinical Assessment
- Investigations: X-Ray, MRI or Blood Tests (to exclude alternative diagnosis)
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Joint Pain | Swelling | Decreased Range of Motion & Tenderness | Limping | Altered Gait | Crepitus | Pain in the affected joint: initially with activity, then at rest, and lastly, at night as the condition progresses.
- Referred Pain (e.g. Hip OA may present as Knee Pain)
- Decreased ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Reduced Ability to Perform Daily Activities
Management of Mild OA Pain Killers
Pain Killers
- Simple Analgesia
- Oral NSAIDs
- Intra Articular Corticosteroid
Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy & Exercise Program
- Hydrotherapy
- Dietician (Weight Loss)
- Occupational Therapy
- Activity Modification
Candidates for Joint Replacement
- Joint pain +/- dysfunction that has worsened in the last six months and/or affecting ADLs.
- Pain not adequately controlled with Allied Health or Pharmaceutical
- Interventions
- Patient is medically fit for surgery and Anaesthesia
Orthopaedic Refferal
- X-rays: Standard weight-bearing X-rays of the affected joint
- Relevant Medical History
- Physical Examination Findings
- List of Current Medications
- Non-Surgical Treatment History
Joint Replacement Facts
- Modern joint prosthesis can last 30+years, younger age a consideration but not contraindication
- Patients can often return to exercise and sport
- Early intervention for joint damage may help prevent further strain and deterioration in other joints, supporting overall joint health
- Most patients can resume work/daily activities within 6-8 weeks post-surgery.