From specialized physical therapy to robotic-assisted surgery, we provide a tiered approach to eliminate pain and keep you moving.

Geriatrics addresses the health needs of older adults, focusing on frailty, dementia, falls, and chronic disease management.

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Arthritis Treatment and Care

The treatment of geriatric arthritis has evolved from simple pain management to a sophisticated “Joint Preservation” strategy. In the elderly, the goal of care is twofold: to alleviate chronic discomfort and to maximize functional independence. We recognize that an 80-year-old’s treatment goals such as walking comfortably in a park differ from those of a younger athlete. Therefore, our “Treatment and Care” protocols are built on a multimodal foundation, combining physical rehabilitation, biological interventions, and, when necessary, precision surgery to ensure the “Golden Years” remain active.

The Tiered Care Philosophy

We employ a progressive treatment ladder. We start with the least invasive methods, allowing the body’s natural mechanics to stabilize with external support and strengthening. In the geriatric context, we are particularly cautious with medication, prioritizing “localized” treatments over systemic drugs to avoid side effects on the heart, kidneys, or stomach. Every treatment plan is a living document, adjusted regularly based on the patient’s feedback and functional progress.

  • Multimodal Analgesia: Using a combination of different types of pain relief to minimize the dose of any single medication.
  • The “Joint-Sparing” Concept: Prioritizing therapies that delay the progression of cartilage loss.
  • Interdisciplinary Coordination: Aligning orthopedists, physical therapists, and geriatricians to manage the “whole patient.”
  • Patient Education: Empowering seniors to understand their “activity limits” to avoid inflammatory flares.
  • Rapid Intervention: Addressing acute pain “spikes” immediately to prevent the secondary decline associated with bed rest.
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Will I Need a Treatment?

GERIATRICS

The answer to “Will I need a treatment for my Arthritis?” is nearly always yes. All forms of arthritis require management, even the mildest cases, to prevent progression and reduce pain. Treatment methods range widely depending on the type of arthritis you have.

For degenerative arthritis (Osteoarthritis), treatment focuses on pain relief and protecting the joint. For inflammatory arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis), treatment must be aggressive to stop the immune system from causing irreversible damage to the joint lining and bone.

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Biological and Mechanical Support

GERIATRICS
  1. Therapeutic Exercise: Focus on “Isometrics” (strengthening without joint movement) to build muscle without causing pain.
  2. Viscosupplementation Injections: “Gelling” the joint to reduce friction and improve the “gliding” sensation during walking.
  3. Corticosteroid Injections: Reserved for acute, high-level inflammation to provide rapid symptomatic relief.
  4. Custom Bracing and Orthotics: Using external stabilizers to shift weight away from the “bone-on-bone” side of the joint.
  5. Hydrotherapy: Utilizing the buoyancy of water to exercise the joints in a zero-gravity environment.

Surgical Excellence: Restoration and Replacement

When conservative measures no longer sustain a patient’s quality of life, surgical intervention becomes a powerful tool for restoration. Modern geriatric surgery is no longer “high risk”; advanced anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques have made joint replacements safer and more effective for patients even in their 80s and 90s. The decision to operate is based on “Functional Age” rather than “Chronological Age.”

Precision Arthroplasty and Recovery

We utilize Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Total Hip and Knee Replacements. This technology allows for the “perfect fit” of a prosthetic, tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, which leads to a more natural feeling and a longer-lasting joint. Post-operative care is just as critical as the surgery itself; our “Fast-Track” recovery protocols encourage patients to stand and walk within hours of their procedure to prevent complications like blood clots or pneumonia.

  • Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Replacing the worn-out bone surfaces with durable metal and specialized plastic.
  • Partial Knee Replacement: Only replacing the damaged “compartment” of the knee, preserving the patient’s healthy bone and ligaments.
  • Arthroscopic Debridement: A “keyhole” procedure to clean out loose fragments or “locking” tissues within the joint.
  • Osteotomy: Realigning the bone to shift weight onto a healthier part of the joint (more common in younger, active seniors).
  • Post-Surgical “Pre-hab”: Strengthening the patient before surgery to ensure a much faster and safer recovery.
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Integrated Care: Medication and Lifestyle Management

Surgery is reserved for cases where joint damage is severe and causing debilitating pain or loss of function. Surgical interventions are a last resort after medical treatments have failed.

Joint Replacement 

Total joint replacement surgery is the most common surgical intervention. It is highly effective for advanced Osteoarthritis.

  • Procedure: The damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic.
  • Usage: Commonly performed on the hip (total hip arthroplasty) and the knee (total knee arthroplasty) to restore pain-free movement.

Joint Repair 

Less extensive surgeries are performed to repair damaged tissue or stabilize a joint.

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses a small camera to smooth rough cartilage or remove bone fragments.
  • Synovectomy: Removal of the inflamed joint lining (synovium) in cases of chronic inflammatory arthritis that have not responded to medication.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs

Rehabilitation is a mandatory part of Arthritis Management, both before and after surgery. Programs focus on increasing strength and flexibility around the joints.

  • Physical Therapy (PT): Therapists design specific exercises to improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which helps stabilize it.
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): Therapists help patients adapt daily tasks (like opening jars or dressing) using techniques or specialized assistive devices to protect damaged joints.
  • Topical Therapy: The patient is taught to use non-invasive measures like heat/cold therapy. Heat relaxes stiff muscles, and cold reduces active inflammation and swelling.

Treatment and Management Time

How long does Arthritis treatment take? Treatment is continuous and lifelong for chronic conditions.

  • Inflammatory Arthritis: Requires continuous medication for decades to prevent joint damage.
  • Joint Replacement: The hospital stay is usually 1-3 days, followed by 3-6 months of intensive physical therapy to restore function.

Why Choose LIV Hospital

  • LIV Hospital provides specialized, integrated Arthritis Treatment, ensuring comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgical recovery. Our focus is on restoring mobility with minimal pain.
  • Integrated Rheumatology and Orthopedics: Our specialists work side-by-side to coordinate care. The rheumatologist manages the inflammation, and the orthopedic surgeon performs replacement only when medically necessary.
  • Advanced Surgical Technology: We use robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, which allows for extremely precise placement of artificial joints, improving longevity and functional success rates.
  • Dedicated Rehabilitation: Our comprehensive rehabilitation team provides intensive pre- and post-operative physical therapy, ensuring the best possible Arthritis recovery after replacement surgery.

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Spec. MD. Serdar Kızılkaya Spec. MD. Serdar Kızılkaya Geriatrics
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I too old for a knee replacement?

Age is rarely the deciding factor. We evaluate your heart health, lung capacity, and overall strength. Many 85-year-olds undergo successful surgery and return to walking much better than before

No, they typically provide relief for 6 months to a year. They are repeatable and are an excellent way to “buy time” before considering surgery.

We use “Multimodal Pain Management,” including nerve blocks and localized numbing during surgery, so most patients find the post-op pain much more manageable than their old “arthritic pain.”

With today’s materials and robotic precision, most hip and knee replacements are expected to last 20 to 25 years, often outlasting the patient’s needs.

That is the goal! All our treatments are designed to get you back to the low-impact activities you love, with less pain and more stability.

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