[Conservative treatment strategies for gonarthritis. New trends and established therapy concepts].

This article gives a current overview of non-operative procedures in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, e.g. with special medications, local physiotherapy and gymnastic therapy including ergotherapy and aids for activities of daily living (ADL).

[Postoperative rehabilitation after minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty].

Currently more than 150,000 total hip arthroplasties (THA) are performed in Germany each year. Despite limited financial resources approximately 50% of these patients participate in a standardized inpatient rehabilitation program. This report reflects own experiences with patients after a minimally invasive approach for THA compared to others with conventional procedures, in context with findings from the literature.

[Treatment of osteoarthritis with cristalline glucosamine sulfate. Results of the IDEAL-study].

Aims And Methods: The treament of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee with cristalline glucosamine sulfate (CGS; dona) under real life conditions was documented for 6 months in a multicenter, prospective, non-controlled, noninterventional trial. In addition to efficacy evaluated with Lequesne's index, changes in use of analgesics and the incidence of related adverse events were to be assessed during the intake CGS. Furthermore, quality of life was to be documented using a patient-diary.

[Conservative strategies for treating low back pain].

This article discusses the importance of a careful patient history and a detailed clinical assessment to differentiate etiologic factors concerning the cause and continuation of low back pain. The indications and efficacy of various physiotherapeutic and balneological strategies are presented, with emphasis on the economic necessity of a targeted plan of care.

[Rehabilitation following total hip and knee replacement].

For the more than 330.000 patients/year with primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) in Germany alone, postoperative rehabilitation either on an inpatient or follow-up outpatient basis is largely accepted as standard, despite limited financial resources. The present article discusses the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures in the immediate postoperative phase in the hospital or clinic, the so-called post-inpatient phase in a rehabilitation clinic or centre, as well as the subsequent outpatient phase with consistent and regular specialist follow-up.