Can Exercise Prevent Joint Replacement in Osteoarthritis? New Insights from a Large-Scale Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, often leading to knee or hip replacements. A new study by Ackerman et al. (2024) explored whether exercise and education programs could reduce the chances of needing surgery in people with OA.

What the Study Did:

The study looked at over 9,300 patients with OA who participated in an exercise and education program. Researchers wanted to see if the program could help patients avoid knee or hip replacement surgery within two years.

Key Findings:

• Lower Surgery Rates: Patients who improved in pain and mobility after doing the exercises were less likely to need joint replacement surgery.

• Works for Hips and Knees: The benefits were seen in both hip and knee OA, showing that exercise and education can be helpful no matter which joint is affected.

• Stay Engaged: The more patients stuck with the program, the better their outcomes were, highlighting the importance of staying committed.

Takeaway:

This study suggests that exercise and education can be powerful tools in managing OA, potentially delaying or even avoiding the need for surgery. It reinforces the idea that with the right support, patients can take charge of their OA symptoms and improve their quality of life through non-surgical means.

What You Can Do:

If you’re dealing with OA, talk to your physiotherapist about starting an exercise and education program tailored to your needs. It might just help you move better and keep surgery at bay!