Joint Diseases & surgery: 90 % of the joint diseases do not require surgery. Any kind of inflamation associated with or without pain in joints are called as Arthritis. The commonly seen are - Osteo-arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis and Septic arthritis. Dificiencies in vitamins & minerals especially calcium and vitamin-D can also lead to certain joint diseases. Certain diseases that affect the immunity and cause weekness also debilitate the joint function. Joint deformity caused over a period of time either due to excess wear and tear or as a result of chronic degenerative joint diseases may require surgical intervention to restore mobility. Therefore in such cases partial or total joint replacement are recommended. Majority of the cases recommended with Joint replacement surgery are affected with old age Osteo arthritis or AVN (Avascular necrosis). Osteo arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Osteo arthritis in the initial and 2nd degree can be treated and restored to its normal function and in 3rd degree the process of degeneration could be prevented and maintained well with effective ayurvedic therapies. In 4th degree of OA where the miniscus between the knee joints are worn out and the bones touch each other to erode their surfaces and the joint go out of the alignment then knee replacement is the last resort. It is true that maximum of the joint diseases do not require surgery but among the rest of them which required surgery, some are because of our negligence, ignorance and lack of awareness about the disease and its proper treatment. Thus prevention, preservation, and maintaining the wellness of joints should be a priority. Its absolutly my view. -Dr.Rajeev Nambiar