Knee Arthritis - CENTRE FOR ORTHOPAEDICS, SPORTS MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION - Dr. Erich H. Rembeck

KNEE ARTHRITIS

How do you recognise knee arthritis, which factors predestine for the formation of an arthritis?

Knee arthritis is characterised by premature ageing and wearing of the joint cartilage. The causes are among others, improper distribution (for example by X-Legs or O-Legs, overweight, accidents, constant over-loading and genetic factors). One recognises the knee joint arthritis (also gonarthrosis) at the beginning from stiffening of the knees after a long time sitting down. Difficulties in the complete bending or also stretching of the legs are frequent. Later, pain also while relaxing with warmth and swelling during pressure exists.

Treatment of knee arthritis

Firstly an improvement is reached through physical and physiotherapy methods. Joint injections with Hyaluronan or ACP (autologous growth factors, which are extracted from blood) are the therapies of choice at the beginning. Arthroscopic-surgical treatments with removal of possible disruptive factors (e.g. free cartilage particles in the joint cavity, chronic inflamed areas of mucous membrane) are also applied. With the shaving-technique, bony abrasions and micro-fracturings, one is given the impetus to replenish damaged joint areas with replacement cartilaginous tissue.

We are endeavouring to carefully evaluate this theme and the compatibility of different treatment methods, whether non-operative or operative. In any case, we strive to maintain the joints in a strong condition for as long as possible and to avoid knee joint replacement operations for as long as possible.

Inability to work after a knee arthritis treatment

Depending on the seriousness of the condition, crutches should be used for 6-12 weeks, so that the new cartilage tissue can form. Depending on professional activities, it is indeed possible to return to work after 1-3 weeks.

Sport after a knee arthritis treatment

The answer to the question as to whether sport activities can be recommenced depends on a number of factors. In particular the extent of the damage and the method of necessary therapy are decisive for this question. Sometimes an MRI scan can provide additional information. In many cases it can be possible to undertake sport types which have a special pressure on the joint. The artificial knee joint, the knee replacement, is a safe method in which to treat knee problems successfully and is frequently indicated when the joint is greatly deformed or the patient is at an advanced age.