Sometimes, osteotomy is combined with other cartilage repair procedures to optimize care for your knee. Narcotic painkillers whether in pill form (oxycodone Tylenol #3 Vicoden Percocet Lortab etc. or patch form (Duragesic fentanyle etc.) in general should be avoided for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Diagnostic testsThe simplest test to diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee is the x-ray. Taken with the patient standing up plain x-rays can diagnose the condition with great accuracy.
Alternative remediesNutritional supplementation (glucosamine and chondroitin are the most common forms of this) is helpful to some patients though the science on this is not entirely supportive of their effectiveness. RelationshipsOsteoarthritis of the knee can affect relationships and social interactions to the extent that it makes getting around more difficult. Complications arise in about 5% of joint replacement surgeries.
You’ll also likely be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level. A physical therapist can show you how to exercise your new knee. After you leave the hospital, you’ll likely continue physical therapy at home or at a center. “A family history of joint abnormalities or hypermobility (double-jointedness) could increase one’s susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis,” he said. “Additionally, individuals with pre-existing joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or metabolic diseases such as diabetes are at a heightened risk of developing knee OA,” he said.
The X-rays may show bone spurs, but the cartilage may continue to look normal. Diagnosis relies on an assessment of your symptoms, a physical exam, and other tests. Stage zero is considered pre-osteoarthritis (pre-OA) and describes a normal, healthy joint before the disease manifests. However, this stage can also describe an early stage of OA when damage is beginning to occur on a cellular level, without clinical signs or symptoms. This can cause the bones of the knee joint to rub together, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. One of the most common areas affected by osteoarthritis is the knee. For some people, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes may not provide enough relief. In these cases, osteoarthritis knee surgery may be recommended.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is caused by wear and tear to the knee joint. This means that the cartilage — the cushioning in the joint that allows the bones to glide over each other — breaks down over time with use. The conservative treatment consisted of exercise therapy, slight weight loss of about 3 kilos, painkillers, insoles, and patient education about coping with osteoarthritis. Total knee replacement surgery involves cutting the damaged ends of the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thighbone) and capping both with prostheses.
Types of Osteoarthritis Knee Surgery
There are several types of knee surgery that may be used to treat osteoarthritis, including:
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint to remove damaged tissue.
- Partial Knee Replacement: In this procedure, only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant.
- Total Knee Replacement: This surgery involves replacing the entire knee joint with a prosthetic implant.
Recovery from Osteoarthritis Knee Surgery
The recovery process following osteoarthritis knee surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. However, most patients will need to undergo physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve range of motion. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.
FAQs
- How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
- What are the risks associated with knee surgery?
The recovery time can vary depending on the type of surgery performed, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few months.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with osteoarthritis knee surgery, including infection, blood clots, and nerve damage.
