By: ptvnews.ph (Source: http://bit.ly/1Oz8Zzk)

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common of the several types of arthritis, afflicts three percent of the population with a significant number of patients in the Philippines, said Orthopaedic International Incorporation (OII) President, Mr. Jude Sasing in a Monday morning talk, RadyoBisyon.

Also known as the wear and tear disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage—the elastic connective tissue that cushions the bones in the joints. Eventual loss of the cartilage leads to bare bones rubbing against each other, causing extreme pain and leaving patients with limited range of motion.

Although osteoarthritis is a progressive disease without cure, setting the scene for an active life with minimum pain is still conceivable. Medicines play a significant role in that effort. There are at least 21 prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs that can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Lifestyle measures such as maintaining a healthy weight also moderates the risk factor of experiencing a painful flare up. Exercise and therapies can also be of aid to relieve the symptoms and improve joint function.

But in some cases where the disease gradually worsens, the last resort is to undergo joint replacement surgeries. However, due to the high cost of this procedure, the remedy is placed beyond the means of Filipinos.

Mr. Sasing cited that in 70,000 Filipinos suffering from osteoarthritis, only 1,000 can manage to undergo surgery. This propelled the OII to pave a way for a more affordable knee replacement system that can be achievable not only to Filipinos but to the neighbouring countries as well.

In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), OII developed the Axis Knee System, an innovative total knee implant that costs 50 percent less than other total knee replacement procedures. The normal cost of a total knee replacement ranges from P100,000 to P150, 000. But because the Axis Knee System has been developed locally, the price trickled down to P60,000 to P70,000—securing within the means price for OA patients.

The surgery, according to Sasing, only lasts for 2 hours. After a day or two, the patient can already be discharged. And in the course of a few weeks, he can resume on his daily tasks; physically ready for an active life that will keep him on his toes.

OII prides on the Philippine-made product which is designed and manufactured based on international standards. Not only would this game-changing innovation be of help to the osteoarthritis-stricken Filipinos but it can also lay the foundation of a strong economic groundwork—making the health applications in the Philippines fit for world-class recognition. -

See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/features-bottom/49229-orthopaedic-international-clears-way-for-conquering-osteoarthritis#sthash.IdWiN8Z3.dpuf

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