KNEEO Programme 

Introductory video about Knee Arthritis

Different types of Arthritis of knee depending on location or cartilage damage in knee. They can be patellofemoral arthritis, Medial compartmental arthritis or Lateral compartmental arthritis or a combination of above.

This video explains why a person gets arthritis.

Early Stage: Minor wear and tear of cartilage; patients might experience occasional discomfort or stiffness, often without significant pain or visible symptoms. Moderate Stage: More noticeable thinning of cartilage and the beginning of bone changes; discomfort becomes more persistent, and swelling or inflammation may occur more frequently. Severe Stage: Significant cartilage loss leads to bone rubbing on bone; symptoms include constant pain, decreased mobility, and sometimes deformity. End Stage: Almost complete loss of cartilage and extensive damage to the joint space; severe pain and disability are common, often leading to surgical intervention like joint replacement.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of methods: Clinical Examination: A healthcare provider assesses symptoms, examines the joint for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. Medical History: Discussing symptoms, their onset, and how they've progressed over time helps to identify patterns typical of osteoarthritis. Imaging Tests: X-rays are commonly used to see the extent of joint damage and cartilage loss. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can provide more detailed images of cartilage and other joint tissues. Lab Tests: While there's no specific test for osteoarthritis, blood tests may be done to rule out other types of arthritis that involve inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Joint fluid analysis can also help rule out other conditions like gout or infection.

Knee preservation surgery encompasses various procedures aimed at repairing and maintaining the natural structure and functionality of the knee joint without resorting to total knee replacement. These surgeries can include: Cartilage Repair and Regeneration: Techniques such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral autograft or allograft help repair damaged cartilage. Osteotomy: Reshaping the bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint. Meniscus Repair: Reconstructing or realigning the meniscus to prevent further joint damage and alleviate pain. These procedures are typically recommended for younger patients or those whose damage is not extensive enough to require a full replacement, aiming to delay the need for more invasive surgeries and preserve the knee's natural functionality for as long as possible.

Treatment of knee arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function through a variety of approaches: Medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and flexibility routines to support and stabilize the knee joint. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management to reduce stress on the joints, and the use of assistive devices like canes or orthotics to improve mobility. Surgical Treatments: For more severe cases, procedures like arthroscopic surgery to clean up the joint, osteotomy to realign the bones, or ultimately, total knee replacement may be necessary. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, topical creams, or supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The choice of treatment typically depends on the severity of the arthritis, the patient's lifestyle, and overall health.