Post-Traumatic Arthritis

When a traumatic injury to a joint occurs, it’s natural to focus on immediate treatment methods that minimize pain, increase stability, and restore function. During the recovery process, however, secondary complications or conditions may arise. One such condition is post-traumatic arthritis—osteoarthritis caused by damaged or weakened cartilage in the injured joint. Post-traumatic arthritis is often temporary but can also develop into a chronic condition that significantly impacts mobility and overall quality of life.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning team of doctors works closely with patients experiencing post-traumatic arthritis to reduce symptoms and restore function in the affected joint. Every treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the needs and recovery goals of our patients and we use a wide variety of different approaches to ensure the fastest road to recovery.

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, tenderness, or stiffness in a joint that has been injured, post-traumatic arthritis may be the underlying cause. Contact our world-class clinic to book an appointment and receive a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan today!

What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

Various forms of arthritis affect millions of Americans. In fact, approximately one-fifth of American adults report a diagnosis of arthritis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease affecting the joints of the body, osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by mechanical wear and tear. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, most commonly develops over a long period of time and increasingly affects people as they age. That being said, post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that develops relatively quickly after a joint injury and can affect people of any age.

Definition of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is characterized by inflammation that takes place in a joint after a traumatic injury such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. Commonly affecting the ankle joints, knee joints, hip joints, elbows, and other joints, it accounts for approximately 12% of all cases of symptomatic osteoarthritis.

When damage is sustained to a joint, weakening of the cartilage may occur which causes the cartilage to deteriorate further and break down more rapidly than usual, even under normal stress. Post-traumatic arthritis often becomes apparent early in the healing process, but can also develop as long as 2-5 years after a traumatic injury. If the condition is ongoing for more than 6 months, it is considered to be chronic.

Causes of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Any traumatic injury that impacts a joint can contribute to the development of post-traumatic arthritis. Common causes of traumatic joint injuries include falls, car accidents, and sports injuries.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

The symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis can range from mild to severe and may not affect all patients in the same way. Some common indicators of the condition include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling in the affected joint
• Stiffness in the affected joint
• Tenderness to touch
• Instability in the affected joint
• Difficulty weight-bearing (in cases involving joints in the lower extremities)

Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Arthritis

The diagnosis of post-traumatic inflammatory arthritis generally begins with a careful review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination of the affected joint. Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic imaging to gain better visualization of the area and develop the most precise treatment plan possible to relieve pain and restore function.

Diagnostic Methods for Post-Traumatic Arthritis

• X-ray – X-ray images show the extent of damage to bones in the affected joint.
• MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging reveals detailed images of your bones and the surrounding tissues.
• CT Scan – Like an MRI, this type of scan may be used to provide detailed images of the affected joint.

Treatment Options for Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Many treatment options exist for addressing post-traumatic arthritis. In many cases, nonsurgical treatment options may offer an effective resolution for the condition, but surgical procedures may also be considered if post-traumatic arthritic symptoms are severe.

Nonsurgical Methods of Treatment

Conservative treatment measures for post-traumatic arthritis include:

• Activity modification
• Braces or orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP)
• Oral medications
• Weight loss (to reduce pressure on the joint)

Advanced Treatments for Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Surgical treatment options for post-traumatic arthritis may include:

• Arthroscopic Debridement – This is a minimally invasive procedure that cleans up the affected joint, removes damaged tissue, and may involve the reshaping of bones to address arthritis symptoms.
• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis) – This type of surgery involves fusing bones in the affected joint together to increase stability.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty) – In an arthroplasty, the affected joint is replaced with an artificial joint.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

The length of time it takes to recover after post-traumatic arthritis surgery depends on the location of the affected joint and the type of surgery undergone. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our expert doctors are by your side every step of the journey and are always available to answer questions and offer advice throughout the recovery process.

Post-Treatment Care

Your doctor will provide you with detailed information about post-treatment care such as pain management strategies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications to reduce joint stress.

Preventing Recurrence

Though it may not be possible to avoid accidents completely, there are many ways to maintain healthy joints and reduce the likelihood of another traumatic injury that may cause you to develop arthritis. These include:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Wear proper protective gear during sports and physical activities
• Keep your home and workspace clear and tidy
• Use proper equipment to reach high-up items
• Attend follow-up appointments and stick to rehabilitation routines as recommended

Whether you’re suffering from pain and swelling in your knee joint or wrist joint, the exceptional team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey has the expertise to help you address post-traumatic arthritis and move forward on the path to recovery. Call our clinic today to book a consultation. We look forward to meeting you!