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Surgical Options
Surgery has been proven highly effective in the treatment of many knee disorders.
- Advanced osteoarthritis (OA) can be successfully treated with a total or partial knee replacement.
- A deformed or malaligned knee may be realigned with a surgical procedure called an osteotomy, which preserves the life of the natural cartilage in the knee.
- Certain types of acute meniscal or ligament damage can be repaired with an arthroscopic procedure.
However, the use of arthroscopic surgery to ‘clean up’ the joint, removing small flaps of meniscal tissue and cartilage, has been conclusively shown not to help the knee OA sufferer. Yet this procedure is still widely practiced, despite the risks and costs of the surgery.
Once you understand your knee condition, you can use this section to understand the various types of knee surgery and how they may serve you.
Arthroscopy, Meniscal Surgery and Lavage
Arthroscopy is a term that comes from two Greek words; 'arthro', meaning joint, and 'skopein', meaning to examine. It involves smaller incisions and the insertion of a small camera and special instruments to perform minor procedures.
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Physiotherapy
There is strong evidence that a customised musculoskeletal program to strengthen muscle-groups and increase the knee’s range of motion is highly effective for knee OA pain management and improvement of physical function in the short and long term.
Total and Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
For advanced knee OA, knee replacement procedures have been conclusively shown to be of strong benefit to patients. Where there is generalised bone-on-bone contact and debilitating pain, Total Knee Replacements (TKR) is performed.
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiologist’s use exercise and physical activity for treatment and rehabilitation. For the knee OA sufferer, they will design exercise plans that achieve strengthening and functional goals, as well as a level of general fitness.
Autologous Chrondrocyte Implantation
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) is used to repair focal cartilage damage (a confined area, like a ten cent piece). This is usually caused in a traumatic impact injury. The success of the ACI procedure depends upon the presence of healthy cartilage.
Osteotomy
The scientific evidence reflects that osteotomy usually results in good pain relief and improvement in function for carefully selected patients with slight lower limb deformity. In these cases the deformity is causing high joint loads and increased cartilage wear in a single compartment of the knee.