Synovial Fluid Replacement Therapy to revolutionise Treatment for Osteoarthritis and Sport Injuries in Ireland
Knee Replacement Surgery May Now Be Delayed Issued 4th July 2005
A meeting involving 70 doctors and consultants took place last Thursday 30th June at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport to discuss the treatment of osteoarthritis, a condition that up to 400,000 people in Ireland suffer from each year. This meeting hosted by Premier Medical and chaired by Dr. Douglas Veale, Consultant Rheumatologist, St. Vincent's University Hospital was an informative symposium on recent changes in treatment of osteoarthritis and sport injuries of the knee and introduced Synovial Fluid Replacement Therapy.
Ageing population: A leading arthritis specialist has warned that a major crisis is looming because of our ageing population and the lack of services for people with arthritis.
Dr Douglas Veale, consultant rheumatologist at St Vincent's Hospital, said there were already waiting lists of four years or more to see a rheumatologist in some areas.
The treatment of osteoarthritis can result in serious side effects that have encouraged the development of a therapy that mimics the unique properties of the joint¹s own synovial fluid. Dr Robert Petrella, Medical Director of the Canadian Centre for Activity and Ageing gives some insights into viscosupplementation.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases and the most frequent cause of pain leading to long term disability in the older population in Ireland.
Every year in Ireland, around 400,000 people consult their doctor with symptoms related to arthritis.
It occurs most frequently in knees, hands, thumb base, hips, back, neck.
The incidence and prevalence is higher in women than in men, especially after the age of 50.
Chronic cases lead to joint replacement
Sports people who suffer cartilage injuries as well as wear and tear to the joints are more susceptible to developing arthritis in later years.
PM in the News 
Ageing population: A leading arthritis specialist has warned that a major crisis is looming because of our ageing population and the lack of services for people with arthritis.
The treatment of osteoarthritis can result in serious side effects that have encouraged the development of a therapy that mimics the unique properties of the joint¹s own synovial fluid. Dr Robert Petrella, Medical Director of the Canadian Centre for Activity and Ageing gives some insights into viscosupplementation.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases and the most frequent cause of pain leading to long term disability in the older population in Ireland.