Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes too much iron to be absorbed into the blood, and then stored in the body’s organs and tissues. The condition causes joint pain and joint damage, and triples the necessity of hip replacement surgery. The chance of necessary knee replacement surgery is doubled by hemochromatosis. The disorder affects almost one million people in the U.S., causing symptoms that are similar to osteoarthritis.
A study published online in Arthritis Care and Research found a connection between hemochromatosis and arthritis, and a higher risk of serious damage to joints, requiring hip, knee, and also ankle replacement surgery. However, the study showed that the genetic disorder appeared to carry no increased risk for diseased joints among first-degree relatives.
Valley Orthopedic Associates offers general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery, including hip and knee replacement, in Seattle, Renton, and Covington, as well as other surrounding areas.