How To Treat Osteolysis
Osteolysis is a condition that causes the bones to wear down, becoming weak and thin. However, no obvious symptoms alert a patient to its onset. Instead, pain begins to be felt around the tissues after a bone breaks. The only way to be certain osteolysis is present is to undergo X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or bone biopsies, and these are typically only done after experiencing a break or undergoing joint surgery. There are, however, several risk factors that increase an individual's risk of developing osteolysis, including developing growths on the bones or having a prosthetic joint. Other conditions, such as periodontal disease, arthritis, and other types of pressure-inducing infections can also lead to osteolysis. Get to know the various treatment options for osteolysis now.
Treating An Underlying Infection
Doctors will first try to treat any underlying infection to mediate the effects of osteolysis. When the body detects problematic invaders, such as bacteria, that signal an infection, the immune system responds by attacking these cells. However, in some cases, these responders can accidentally begin to attack the bone cells, thus contributing to their weakening and can lead to osteolysis if left unattended. These infections most commonly occur after a joint replacement surgery, but any infection can lead to this response by the immune system. If you see signs of infection after surgery or after incurring a wound, seek medical treatment for as soon as possible.
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Surgery To Fix Fractures
If left untreated, osteolysis can lead to bits of bone matter breaking off and remaining in the bloodstream. As the immune system begins to attack what it perceives as foreign invaders in the blood, it can also mistakenly begin to break down the healthy bone and tissues, as well. Because of this risk, it may sometimes be necessary to undergo surgery to fix fractures. Typically, a clean break or fracture will be treated by wearing a cast or plaster, resetting the bone and allowing the body to heal naturally. With messier breaks and fractures, however, pieces of bone may continue to break off. When this happens, surgeons must go into the area and remove any floating fragments from the surrounding tissues and bloodstream to prevent infection and a pathological response from the immune system.
Get to know the next treatment option for osteolysis now.
Revise Or Replace Joint Implant
Osteolysis most commonly occurs in individuals who have undergone joint replacement surgery. Specifically, the condition is known to affect those who have had a hip, knee, or shoulder replacement. When a joint is replaced with artificial material, such as metal or plastic, it is normal for small particles to wear off. The body responds by trying to clean the area and break down these particles. However, this can sometimes trigger the immune system to mistakenly absorb the remaining healthy bone tissue. This typically occurs about a year after the implant surgery has taken place. In this case, patients may need to have their doctor revise or replace the joint implant.
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Continuous Monitoring
Because osteolysis is virtually symptomless, patients who are at increased risk, such as those who have undergone joint replacement surgeries or have other types of infections that leave the bone tissues susceptible, must practice continual monitoring in conjunction with their physician and bone specialist. This will involve regularly undergoing x-rays and other bone scans, as well as providing blood samples to check for the presence of debris. Having this debris, which is most commonly metal or plastic, in the blood after an injury or surgical procedure is a reliable indicator the immune system will respond, and monitoring its effect on healthy bone tissue will be necessary to make sure healing is occurring as hoped for.
It's time to talk about the next treatment option for osteolysis.
Treating An Underlying Condition
As osteolysis is detected, physicians will try to treat any underlying conditions. Sometimes, medications will treat infections and the subsequent response by the immune system, fixing the issue of osteolysis without the need for further intervention. Any infection or condition that triggers an inflammatory response can lead to osteolysis. These include bone cysts, tumors, arthritis, and periodontal disease. Treatment will depend on the cause of the specific underlying condition. Physiotherapy can be practiced to relieve the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, while soft tissue grafts, scaling, and tissue-simulated protein treatment can be used to treat periodontal disease. Each of these treatments can prevent the further breakdown of bone and joint tissue.