Question: I am developing increasing pain in my wrist and thumb, especially when I try to open large, jars, (i.e., pickles or mayonnaise). Am I getting carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: It is more likely that you are in the early stages of osteoarthritis affecting the base of your thumb. Wearing a thumb spica splint at night may greatly decrease your daytime pains. Over the counter analgesics, such as naproxen or ibuprofen may help in addition to the splint use.

James B. Slattery, M.D.

Board Certified – Orthopaedic Surgery

Question: Do I need a knee replacement?

Answer: Knee replacement is an operation that is usually performed for severe knee arthritis. It involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with an artificial knee that is not painful. The most important question to ask in determining if you need a knee replacement is “How much is my knee arthritis interfering with my life?” In most cases, we would try every other treatment alternative for your arthritis pain first, including medication, changing your activity level and knee injections. If these do not work, then knee replacement may be an option. Our goal is to make your knee functional and as pain-free as possible so that you can get back to the things you enjoy doing. In severe arthritis, knee replacement may be the best way to accomplish that goal.

Jason Shinn, M.D.

Board Certified – Orthopaedic Surgery

Question

I have been told I have torn cartilage in my knee and need surgery. Is that necessary?

Answer

Not always. There are two types of cartilage in the knee — hyaline cartilage and meniscal cartilage. Damage to hyaline cartilage is associated with arthritis and typically does not necessitate surgery. On the other hand a tear in the meniscus is often treated with surgery called arthroscopy. Arthroscopic surgery allows the treatment to be performed on an outpatient basis. Using a small video camera called an arthroscope for visualization, the torn cartilage can be repaired or “cleaned-up.”  This helps to relieve the pain associated with these tears and often hastens recovery and function.

Andrew Rocca, M.D.
Board Certified - Orthopaedic Surgery