Question

Suggested Med-Surg Learning Activity: Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis:

Surgical treatments for knee OA include arthroscopy, cartilage repair, osteotomy, and knee arthroplasty. Determining which of these procedures is most appropriate depends on several factors, including the location, stage of OA, comorbidities on the one side and patients suffering on the other side.

Osteoporosis rheumatoid arthritis:

Once one is diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, taking calcium alone is not adequate to restore bone density. Discussions with your healthcare provider will likely identify treatment options which include:

Antiresorptive medications – To decrease bone turn over :

_bisphosphonates
_alendronate (Fosamax)
_residronate (Actonel)
_ibandronate (Boniva)
_risedronic acid (Atelvia)
_zoledronic acid (Reclast)

rank-L inhibitor
_denosumab (Prolia)
_sclerostin inhibitor (Romosozumab)

selective estrogen receptor modulators
_raloxifene (Evista)
_estrogen/progesterone
_androgen/testosterone

Anabolic medications – To improve formation of new bone
_teriparatide (Forteo)
_abaloparitide (Tymlos)

Loss of bone mineral density occurs naturally with the normal aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment with corticosteroids can increase an individual’s chance of developing a low bone mineral state such as osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Screening tests to identify poor bone mineralization are important along with treatment with medications, if indicated. Conservative measures such as diet, supplements, exercises and fall prevention are all important to include in a bone-healthy lifestyle.