Please help! I'm 68-years old with osteoarthritis of my left knee. It's getting so I can't straighten it all the way even when it doesn't hurt. Am I going to need a total knee replacement to fix this problem?
It depends on several things. Have you been treated in any way yet? Anti-inflammatory drugs and conservative treatment with physical therapy may be able to get your symptoms under control and restore your motion.
Has your doctor taken X-rays and/or MRIs to see what's going on in the joint? The condition of the joint and size of the joint space will help the doctor decide the best course of action.
Patients have more options now with the use of arthroscopic surgery. The joint can be scraped smooth of any torn cartilage or rough edges of bone. This is called debridement. Soft tissues such as the joint capsule or muscles can be released (cut)to help patients regain lost motion.
A joint replacement is an option but most doctors will try more conservative treatment first.
« Back
All content provided by eOrthopod® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. Alteration of these documents in any way is a violation of the copyright.