Page 108 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

SUMMARY

This unit has given you a brief introduction to joint conditions and the role of orthopedic surgery
in their treatment. Joint conditions, however, do not always have a surgical solution and the
surgery which is carried out does not address the disease but rather the symptoms. There is no
cure for arthritis.

In the future, we may look forward to the discovery of the causes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid disease. The
development of joint disease may then be prevented, reducing the need for major surgery. This is at the
moment a pipe dream and within this author's working life he can look forward to a busy time adjusting or
replacing diseased joints.

In the immediate future we can expect changes in the materials which are used to make joint replacements.
This author predicts the end of the use of metal and the widespread use of non-metallic composites by the
end of the century. This should lead to less problems of wear and loosening. If artificial joints could be made
which lasted the lifetime of the youngest recipient then this would be progress indeed.