Osteoarthritis of the Spine

Much of the problems of the spine can be attributed to its unique combination of stiffness and mobility conferred to it by its joints. As the body ages, these joints including the discs become susceptible to wear and tear and degeneration much like any other joint system in the body.  These changes are collectively called osteoarthritis  and are the leading cause of pain and immobility in the elderly. The treatment of these cases is largely medical in the absence of any disese modifying drug. If symptoms get too severe, surgery may be recommended to selective patients. The spectre of spinal canal stenosis  may also arise in these patients. 

Joint replacement of the cervical and lumbar discs may offer a hope of permanent cure of these problems. The problems of implant mechanics and survival are however yet to be fully overcome.

Currently decompression and fusion of the spine as done for lumbar canal stenosis  are the only surgical procedures which are available for these unhappy patients. The results in carefully selected patients can be gratifying.

MATHUR ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPINE CENTER