The analysis of GPs records showed that use of bone strengthening medication could make joint replacement suregery last longer. Usually, due to osteoarthritis, joints get worn out or damaged, which can be painful and limits the movement. The mobility of a patient can be improved considerably with the help of an implant.
Every year more than fifty thousand hip and seventy thousand knee replacements are taken palce only in UK. These implants can last for decades but some fail within few years. This happened when the bone around the impant is dissolved by the body, which meant the replacement joint becomes losse.
In study analysis researchers investigated the statistics from General Practice Research Database for joint replacements. About two thousand patients who were taking bisphosphonates, which are used to prevent the loss of bone material, were compared about forty-two thousand patients, those were nor taking bisphosphonates.
The hypothesis was that bisphosphonates, which are used by patients suffering osteoporosis to prevent bone being broken down, would prevent the loosening. After the duration of five years researchers found that from few less than two percent impamts remained unsuccessful without the drug, in comparison to fewer less than one epercent, those taking bisphosphonates.
In the midst of such a high frequency of knee and hip replacement surgery, the likelihood that the life of joint implants could be lengthened and reduce the number of intricate revision surgeries means that these results have the potential to make significant improvements to the lives of many patients, explained Prof Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England.
According to Prof Nigel Arden, a specialist in rheumatic diseases from the Universities of Oxford and Southampton, the study has the potential to have a huge impact. Two of the risk aspects, age and obesity, meant the number of cases could increase dramatically. The study published on the Bristish Medical Journal website.