OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE JOINT

OSTEOARTHRITIS is a disease characterized by degenerative defects in cartilage and related changes in sub-chondral [below the cartilage] bone, joint margins, synovium and structures around the joint.
Osteoarthritis is identified in 35% of people below 35 yrs of age and in around 85% people in age group of 70 – 79 yrs of age

People have many misconceptions about the disease and thus they tend to be inconsiderate about such a common and debilitating problem. In the following article there are few common queries of people which have been answered.
Q; what is the role of cartilage?
Cartilage is important for smooth and frictionless functioning of a joint. It acts as a cushion for absorption of mechanical stress suffered by a joint during movement.
Q; what are the Causes of cartilage damage?
Cartilage gets damaged in the process of ageing. Normally over weight increases the speed of cartilage damage and onset of symptoms in an early age. Early Cartilage can also start because of excessive use of joint or secondary to some disease of joint.
Q; what are symptoms?
1. Pain in knee joint is the earliest and most consistent symptom. pain
is usually aching, low grade and ill localized.
2. patient develop swelling in and around knee joint
3. There can be acute increase in pain after an episode of unusually prolonged exercise.
4. Neglected cases present with bowing of knees.
Q; what are the treatment modalities?

As it is said “all the happiness mankind can gain is not in pleasure, but in relief from pain “
So our main concern in treating a patient with osteoarthritis is to cure pain and enhance joint use. Treatment includes both medicinal and surgical options. Medicines serve purpose of a supportive and symptomatic treatment while surgical intervention tries to cure it from the root level.
There are two surgical options:
1. Total knee replacement- This is an expensive procedure and is usually preferred in neglected and grossly damaged knee joints. In this whole knee is replaced with an implant and life of implant is usually 15- 20 yrs. This procedure bears high risk of infection and person cannot squat or sit on floor after knee replacement.
2. Realignment procedure [high tibial osteotomy] - This is a relatively cheaper procedure as compared to TKR. In this procedure joint is not opened or replaced and chances of infection are negligible. Person after this procedure can squat, sit on floor and perform all his or her daily activity. This is a very good option and gives excellent results if opted in early stages of disease progression.