BCHS physician to discuss osteoarthritis - 'taking treatment to a new level'
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a 'cushion' between the bones of the joints.
Dr. Michael Langworthy, a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff will review the recent advances in the prevention of osteoarthritis onset, progression, and disability at a special meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at the Burnham Brook Center.
Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public. A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Langworthy's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948 can make reservations.
The presentation will cover other approaches such as exercise and bracing, and behavioral approaches in support of this condition. Primary discussion will focus on current surgical applications in treatment of hip and knee arthritis and future biotechnology-oriented approaches to treatment of damaged cartilage.
Osteoarthritis is the name for a group of similar diseases that affect the joints. Sometimes, the condition also is called degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed when the cartilage that covers the bones and forms the surface of the joints changes its structure becoming thinner, rougher, and less protective of the underlying bone.
Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age-- in men before age 45, and after age 55 it is more frequent in females.
"As the disease worsens, the bone surfaces become exposed, irregular, and rough" says Dr. Langworthy. "The joint surfaces no longer glide smoothly, and instead, grind against each other. The result is usually joint pain and difficulty moving the joint and limbs."
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but it most often affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. The condition develops slowly over months or years and symptoms begin almost always after the age of 40.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.
For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
About the Presenter:
Orthopaedic surgeon Michael J. Langworthy, M.D. is affiliated with the practice of
Battle Creek Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine and is a member of the medical staff at Battle Creek Health System.
Dr. Langworthy received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery from Michigan State University at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center.
He was awarded a fellowship in adult pelvis and major joint reconstruction at the University of California-San Diego and served as director of Adult Reconstruction at the Naval Medical Center San Diego prior to coming to Battle Creek.
He has published numerous articles and lectured over 100 times nationally and internationally on the subject of cartilage damage and arthritis. Dr. Langworthy is a committee member of the American Hip and Knee Society and a Fellow of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Langworthy is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and a recipient of the 2006-07 Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare.
More News
|
