2024

Total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain secondary to osteoarthritis of the knee. It is considered in patients who have chronic pain that is severe enough to hinder daily functioning and in cases where first-line pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic arthritis treatments are ineffective.

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that results from progressive loss of articular cartilage, usually in the setting of chronic wear and tear or many years after trauma that has caused articular irregularity.

Knee osteoarthritis, the predominant cause of chronic knee pain, often leads patients to consult their family practitioner. This complex joint disease is characterized by cartilage loss, reactive bone formation, subchondral cystic changes, joint deformity, and disruption of surrounding soft tissues, and manifests primarily as activity-related pain and functional limitation.

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC announced the closure of the College Library (as of 15 March 2024) in an email sent on 1 March. I have reflected on the loss of this service since writing to the registrar of the College to express my concerns.