Study on Role of Rheumatologist in Diagnosis and Management of Osteoarthritis from Patients Who Are Attending in Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Rheumatologist play a pivotal role in accurately diagnosing and effectively managing osteoarthritis,thereby improving patients outcomes compared to a non-specialized care. Osteoarthritis patients are being referred to the rheumatology outpatient department under the assumption of inflammatory arthritis. Additionally, a significant number of younger patients are presenting, where modifiable risk factors are more prevalent. Therefore, it is imperative to identify these patients early and employ non-pharmacological methods for management. This includes strategies for prevention and treatment of primary and secondary osteoarthritis using available drugs in teaching hospitals. Moreover, the utilization of hyaluronic acid and stem cell therapy in selected patients can help avoid, prevent, or delay the necessity for joint replacements. The current study was carried out between August 2006 to August 2023 in different hospitals namely in rheumatology out-patient department of the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital, Salem,. A. P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Mahathma Gandhi Memorial Hospital,Trichy,Akitha Hospital, Centre of Excellence for Autoimmune Diseases, Seelanaickenpatti, Salem.In this article, we have made meticulous efforts to conduct a basic diagnostic workup and elucidate the common pitfalls encountered by treating doctors, either in investigation or in the diagnosis of OA, prior to the initiation of proper treatment.our current study concludes that Proper clinical diagnosis and relevant basic investigations are sufficient for diagnosing osteoarthritis. Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable causes of OA at early stages enables effective modification through meticulous non-pharmacologic or pharmacologic management. Consequently, the need for painkillers can be minimized. Moreover, with promising treatments such as cartilage repair, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy becoming more accessible, there is visible hope for OA populations to lead not only pain-free lives but also disease-free lives.