arthritis sufferers DR. CHRIS Beauchamp is glad that he’s an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the treatment of arthritis pa- tients now rather than in the 1950s. By MAUREEN CURTIS Contributing Wraer Tremendous advances have been made in the past few years that enable him to be successful in helping those suffering the cruel effects of arthritis. “TIt’s extremely gratifying work,’’ says Beauchamp, whose talk, ‘‘Advances in the Surgical Treatment of Arthritis’', will be sponsored by the Arthritis Society and be presented Sept. 14 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Lions Gate Hospi- tal Medical Day Care Centre. The perfection of artificial hip joints, which Beauchamp calls one of the ‘‘top five’’ medical advances of the past few decades, is now 98 per cent successful in enabling ar- thritis patients with painful hips to walk again. Beaucaamp is one of about 100 practising orthopedic surgeons performing the 1,500 hip replace- ments done every year in B.C. About 500 to 600 knee replace- ments, which are more difficult from an engineering viewpoint, are also done with similar success. Techniques for shoulder replacements are improving, and more work needs to be done to improve clbows damaged by ar- thritis, according to Beauchamp. Arthritis Society spokesman David Bremner, who was diagnos- ed as having rheumatoid arthritis three years ago, will soon be hav- ing an operation to improve the functioning of his knee. “Thirty years ago, I would be destined to be a cripple and end up in bed,’’ says Bremner. Although the surgical treatment of arthritis is not a cure, it can suppress or modify the condition, enabling the sufferer to continue as an active, productive member of society. “It can make a tremendous dif- ference to patients’ lifestyles and to society,’’ says Beauchamp. Most types of arthritis are a result of the wear and tear that 3 NEWS photo Mike Wahetieid DAVID BREMNER of the Arthritis Society and Dr. Chris Beauchamp, discuss the use of surgery in the treatment of arthritis — the subject of a talk to be given by Dr. Beauchamp, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 14, at Lions Gate Hospital Day Care Centre. comes with aging, which results in the ‘shock absorbing’’ cartilage wearing out so that bone rubs on bone. Arthritis can also attack the very young, or result from an injury suffered in such things as motor vehicle accidents. Joint replacement is not the only surgical option. ‘We do other operations to realign the position of the joints so as to make the best of what is there,”’ says Beauchamp. This or a fusion operation might be a better option for a younger patient, who would put ‘more miles on the meter’’ of a joint replacement, and might require more than one in his lifetime. “The artificial joint is not as See 1 Dart League The Pemberton Station Pub dart league starts September 12th. Monday nights are Ladies’ Nights; Tuesdays & Wednesdays are mixed. The $15.00 sign up fee includes snacks, shirts and fun. 135 Pemberton Ave., North Vancouver 984-3558 OEE rate) ~ cre peruse 33 - Sunday, September If, 1988 - North Shore News RY CLEA YOUR CARPET WHY? © Short drying ime * No fading * Removes difficult dirt © No shampoo residue * Stays cleaner longer Back-to-School Special On Now! Our exclusive purification process leaves your carpet “OZO-FRESH Recommended by Carpet Manufacturers “POST OFFICE BOX 86184, NORTH Ehorth Vancouver The NORTH VANCOUVER YOUTH BAND is now recruiting young musicans —- ages 9 to 19 — for its 1988/89 season! As this famous Band approaches its 50th year of opera- tion, openings exist for: Percussion Brass and Reed players Previous musical experience not necessary! Registration will be held at Highlands School, Col- wood Road, N. Vancouver on Saturdays, September 10 & 17, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Requesting that the parent and child attend with an instrument if possible. Foran appointment or more information call Director of Music DAVID HENDERSON at 929-5051 or Band- master RON SMITH at 929-3637 or write to the ad- dress shown above. NOTICE ISINE 1S WAITING A fleet of 25 limousines (10 non-smoking) radio- controlled and waiting to serve you at both the in- ternational and domestic levels of the airport terminal. * North Shore to airport from... $31.00 %* West Vancouver to airport from... $31.00 (or visa versa) % Tours or transportation to and from restaurants from... $30.00 % Special packages for weddings B., i &