The term arthritis is made up of two parts: arth-, which means "joint", and itis-, which means inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease, but rather refers to more than 100 different diseases that cause pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement. Arthritis attacks the joint. The joint is a place were bones come together and movement occurs. The ends of the bones are covered with a smooth, gliding surface called cartilage. When the cartilage becomes damaged the joint is said to be arthritic.

How common is arthritis?

One out of every six Americans have arthritis. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among American adults. It affects 43 million Americans. Twice as many men are affected. Arthritis is the cause of 39 million doctor visits and more than one-half million hospitalizations every year. It costs the U.S. economy almost $65,000,000 a year.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis accounts for 5.8 million cases in the United States. Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease. It is caused by a breakdown of the joint's cartilage. There are several risks factors for osteoarthritis. It occurs more frequently in people over the age of forty-five. Being overweight can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Joint injuries increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the injured joint. Finally, heredity has a role in osteoarthritis, especially in osteoarthritis of the hand.

The second most common arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects 2.1 million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an abnormal immune system which attacks the joint lining. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to start at an earlier age than osteoarthritis. It also usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body.

Some forms of arthritis can be treated medically. Patients with joint pain and stiffness should see their family doctor to see if they have arthritis and if they require treatment. If medical management doesn't resolve the pain, surgery may help. If the joint is destroyed, surgery may be the best option to restore function. Joints which we commonly treat surgically include finger joints, joints of the thumb, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and ankles.

What is joint replacement?

A damaged joint can be removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. When a joint with arthritis is operated on for joint replacement surgery, all of the arthritis is removed from the joint.

Why have joint replacement surgery?

Patients who have joint replacement surgery find that they can move more easily and with less or no pain. They have increased strength. When pain is relieved, the patients' are able to exercise and gain strength and mobility. They have improved quality of life and get back to doing the things they enjoy in life.

Arthritis in the Hand and Upper Extremity

One out of every six Americans has arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among American adults. Arthritis attacks the joint causing pain and stiffness. Patients with arthritis may be helped with medication. If medical management doesn't help, surgery may be the answer. The joint can be replaced with a mechanical joint. This type of surgery is called joint replacement arthroplasty. Joint replacement arthroplasty can be performed for the shoulder, elbow, wrist and many joints of the hand.

Most people are aware that joint replacement surgery is available for the hip and knee, however many are surprised to find that this procedure is also available for shoulder, elbow, wrist and many joints of the hand. Significant advances in outcome have been achieved in the recent years for joint replacement arthroplasty in the upper extremity. While at the Mayo Clinic Dr. Cobb conducted research and published numerous articles on joint replacement in the upper extremity. The patient's satisfaction now runs in the high 90% for these procedures.

Although patients can learn to live with a stiff, painful joint, joint replacement arthroplasty provides for better overall function and a higher activity level, therefore allowing for better overall conditioning and quality of life. Patients who have joint replacement surgery find that they can move easier with less or no pain. They have increased strength, because when the pain is relieved the patient is able to exercise and gain strength and mobility.

Dr. Cobb limits his practice to the upper extremity and currently provides joint replacement arthroplasty procedures for shoulder, elbow, wrist and the hand.