Arthritis and rheumatic diseases: Difference between revisions
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===Rheumatic Diseases=== | ===Rheumatic Diseases=== | ||
==Potential for Tissue Engineering== | ==Potential for Tissue Engineering== | ||
===Existing Solutions=== | |||
Many of these ailments are degenerative, meaning they will destroy joints and/or organs. Therefore, there is an extensive need for solutions that only tissue engineering can provide. The most common engineered solutions are joint replacements. Depending on the condition, the joints requiring replacement can include knees, hips, and shoulders. Treatments such as spinal fusion can also be necessary. | |||
For diseases such as lupus that affect your internal organs, artificial organs are critical. Artificial kidneys, valves, bladder, hearts, lungs all can be used in patients with severe organ degeneration, directly or indirectly, caused by arthritis and rheumatic diseases. | |||
==Patient's Perspective== | ==Patient's Perspective== | ||
==Resources== | ==Resources== |
Revision as of 21:17, 3 April 2013
Overview
According to the Arthritis Foundation arthritis is "a complex family of musculoskeletal disorders consisting of more than 100 different diseases or conditions that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues, hampering or halting physical movement". Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It is also one of the most commonly misunderstood ailment. The root cause is unknown for most of these diseases. Currently, there exists no cure.
The Numbers
- 50 million Americans have an arthritis
- 2/3 are under the age of 65
- 300,000 children have arthritis
- 44 million outpatient visits per year due to arthritis
- 992,100 hospital visits due to arthritis
- By 2030, 67 million Americans will have arthritis
- $128 billion/year is spent in the US on arthritis related health care costs
- 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis
- 1.3 million Americas have rheumatoid arthritis
- 2% have fibromyalgia
- 2% have psoriatic arthritis
Types
Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as and literally means joint inflammation.
Rheumatic Diseases
Potential for Tissue Engineering
Existing Solutions
Many of these ailments are degenerative, meaning they will destroy joints and/or organs. Therefore, there is an extensive need for solutions that only tissue engineering can provide. The most common engineered solutions are joint replacements. Depending on the condition, the joints requiring replacement can include knees, hips, and shoulders. Treatments such as spinal fusion can also be necessary.
For diseases such as lupus that affect your internal organs, artificial organs are critical. Artificial kidneys, valves, bladder, hearts, lungs all can be used in patients with severe organ degeneration, directly or indirectly, caused by arthritis and rheumatic diseases.