Joint and Bone Problems in Ankara, Turkey

Joint and bone problems include various conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and can lead to pain, deformity, and loss of function. Trauma, degenerative diseases, infections, and congenital anomalies are among these problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent damage.

Among degenerative joint diseases, the most common is osteoarthritis. It is characterized by cartilage loss in the joints and bony outgrowths. It is especially seen in older individuals and can cause joint stiffness, pain, and restricted movement over time. Control can be achieved with physical therapy and medications.

Trauma-related bone fractures, dislocations, and ligament injuries are among acute joint and bone problems. The small bones in the hand, wrist, and fingers are prone to such injuries. Healing is possible with proper immobilization and surgical/conservative approaches.

Bone tumors, infections (osteomyelitis), and the effects of systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) can also negatively affect joint and bone health. In these cases, multidisciplinary treatment may be required. Imaging and laboratory tests are the main tools for diagnosis.

Things You Need to Know Information
Definition Joint and bone problems in the hand and wrist region are disorders characterized by symptoms such as limited movement, pain, and deformity, arising from traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, or congenital causes.
Common Problems Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis, pseudoarthrosis (nonunion), avascular necrosis of carpal bones (e.g., Kienböck’s disease), ganglion cysts, tenosynovitis, arthrosis, fracture sequelae, malunion.
Degenerative Diseases The most common is osteoarthritis, generally seen in older age. The thumb basal joint (CMC joint) is among the most frequently affected sites.
Inflammatory Diseases Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage. Deformities may develop in the finger joints.
Traumatic Problems Fracture, dislocation, ligament tears, carpal instability, bone infarctions. If not treated appropriately, chronic pain and restricted movement may develop.
Congenital Anomalies Structural disorders such as Madelung deformity, radial aplasia, and brachydactyly affect bone development and joint stability.
Symptoms Pain, swelling, limited joint range of motion, morning stiffness, deformity, crepitus (a crackling sensation with movement), loss of strength.
Diagnostic Methods Physical examination, plain X-ray, CT (for bone structural details), MRI (evaluation of cartilage, ligaments, and intra-articular structures), laboratory tests (for rheumatologic diseases).
Treatment (Medical) Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, rheumatologic agents (DMARDs), intra-articular injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid).
Treatment (Surgical) Arthrodesis (joint fusion), arthroplasty (prosthesis), osteotomy (bone correction), synovectomy, release surgeries, fracture repairs, bone grafts.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Functional recovery is achieved by maintaining joint range of motion, reducing pain, increasing muscle strength, and using orthoses and supports.
Complications Permanent limitation of motion, joint deformity, loss of function, nerve compressions, spread to surrounding tissues.
Long-Term Follow-Up Regular follow-up is required in degenerative and rheumatologic diseases. After surgery, physical therapy and repeated imaging assessments should be performed.
Prof. Dr. Serdar Nasır
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery

He completed his medical education at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine in 1996 and his specialty training between 1996–2002 at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Between 2002–2009, he worked at Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Since 2009, he has been working at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He received the title of Associate Professor in 2011. In 2019, Dr. Nasır became a Professor and continues to work as a faculty member in this position.

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    What Are Joint and Bone Problems?

    Joint and bone problems are structural or functional disorders that occur in the bones, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues that make up the skeletal system. These conditions may develop due to trauma, aging, infection, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic problems. Common examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fractures. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for preserving mobility and improving quality of life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Congenital deformities are common in children, traumas are common in young people, repetitive strain and rheumatic diseases are common in adults. In older individuals, problems related to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis become more prominent.

    Carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ganglion cysts, and inflammatory conditions such as tenosynovitis are common problems seen in the wrist and small joints.

    Pain, stiffness, swelling in the joint, and restricted movement are seen in the hand. Osteoarthritis most commonly develops at the base of the thumb, distal finger joints, and the wrist.

    Yes, in the early stage, symptoms can be controlled with physical therapy, medications, splint use, and injections. In advanced cases, surgical treatment comes into consideration.

    Yes, osteoporosis can cause weakening of the wrist bones and increase the risk of fractures with simple falls. This is more common especially in older individuals.

    Joint-related pain usually increases with movement and stiffness is seen in the joint. In nerve compression, numbness, tingling, and pain that worsens at night are more prominent. Clinical examination and EMG help in differential diagnosis.

    Yes, restricted movement, pain, and osteoarthritis can develop after poorly healed fractures or fractures that disrupt the joint surface. This is called secondary arthritis.

    Mild ligament injuries are treated with rest and splinting. Surgical treatment may be required in cases of rupture or significant instability. The rehabilitation process is an important part of treatment.

    This condition, called trigger finger, develops due to narrowing and nodule formation in the tendon sheath. It presents with catching, locking, and pain in the finger; surgical treatment may be applied if necessary.

    Physical therapy is recommended in patients with pain, restricted movement, or muscle weakness. In addition, after surgery, physical therapy helps regain function during the recovery process.

    Joint and bone problems generally fall within the scope of Orthopedics and Traumatology; however, in special situations that affect the hand, face, or body aesthetics, the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery may also be involved. Especially post-traumatic deformities, congenital anomalies, or bone problems requiring surgical reconstruction can be evaluated and treated by plastic surgeons.