Penn Medicine News Blog Archive: Orthopaedics

New research indicates that in recent years orthopaedic surgeons have seen a dramatic surge in the number of Baby Boomers suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or injury to the joint – often resulting from increased activities such as marathon running, swimming, or even power walking. According to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, knee replacements nearly tripled in people ages 45 to 64 between 1997 and 2009. Though still less common in younger patients, current estimates suggest that more than half a million Americans in their 50s have had the procedure. Based on current trends, operations in that age group are expected to increase.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRPT) has received a lot of attention as a popular treatment for celebrity athletes, but its value in treating the injuries in many of the most famous cases is unproven. Samir Mehta, MD provides insight into the types of cases where PRPT is approved and demonstrated effective.