Osteoarthritis of the knee
What is Osteoarthritis of the knee?
Knee osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage and underlying bone within one or more compartments of the knee. It can affect the inner, outer or kneecap joint and may be associated with previous injury, meniscal loss, malalignment or age-related degeneration.
Common symptoms
Symptoms include pain with walking or stairs, swelling, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion, grinding, bowing or knock-knee alignment, night pain and loss of confidence with activity.
Diagnosis and imaging
Diagnosis uses history, examination and weight-bearing X-rays. These show joint space narrowing, alignment and severity. MRI is not always required for established arthritis but may be useful when symptoms are atypical or another diagnosis is suspected.
Non-surgical treatment
Treatment includes exercise, physiotherapy, strength work, weight optimisation, activity modification, braces, anti-inflammatory medication and selected injections. Non-surgical care aims to reduce pain and maintain function.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is considered when pain and disability remain unacceptable. Depending on the pattern, options may include osteotomy, unicompartmental knee replacement or total knee replacement. Procedure choice is based on anatomy, alignment, disease distribution and patient goals.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery depends on the operation and the patient. After knee replacement, early movement, swelling control and progressive strengthening are essential, with functional improvement continuing over many months.
Osteoarthritis of the knee FAQs
Do I need an MRI for knee arthritis?
Often no. Weight-bearing X-rays are usually the most important test for established arthritis. MRI is reserved for selected cases where the diagnosis or treatment decision is unclear.
How is osteoarthritis of the knee diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a focused history and examination, then uses imaging selectively to confirm the pattern of injury, exclude related problems and plan treatment accurately.
When is knee replacement considered?
When pain, stiffness and loss of function remain unacceptable despite appropriate non-surgical care, and imaging confirms arthritis that matches the symptoms.
Will I need surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee?
Many patients improve without surgery. Surgery is considered when symptoms remain limiting despite appropriate non-surgical care, when there is significant structural damage, or when delay may compromise function.
When can I return to walking, golf or low-impact exercise?
Return depends on the diagnosis, treatment type, tissue healing and the physical demands of the activity. The plan is usually staged, with strength, range of motion and confidence rebuilt before unrestricted loading.
Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)
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