On February 21st at 9:00 AM, Orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship trained hand specialist Dr. Mark Vitale will talk about arthritis of the hand. In the half hour show, “Spotlight on Medicine”on WGCH, AM 1490 produced by Greenwich Hospital, Dr. Vitale will talk with host Tony Savino about arthritis, and in particular arthritis of the hand.

The hand and wrist are comprised of multiple small joints that work together to produce many intricate motions from threading a needle to turning a key in a door. When joints become affected with arthritis, the activities of daily living can be very difficult. In arthritic joints the cartilage has worn away so the bones no longer function glide easily over each other. Movement is painful and range of motion is reduced.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form is wear and tear arthritis that comes with aging. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic form of the disease that causes significant inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone.

Another form of arthritis is traumatic arthritis which can affect people of any age and may occur as a result of an injury or trauma. A joint that has sustained an injury is more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury has been properly treated. Fractures that damage the cartilage or joint surface and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to arthritis.

In his interview on February 21, Dr. Vitale will talk about various treament options and the best ways to manage arthritis.