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I saw my own knee X-rays and know I have bad arthritis on one side of the joint. I'm too young (45 years old) for a joint replacement. I'm too heavy (100 pounds overweight) for an osteotomy. Aren't there any other options for people like me (besides losing weight)?

Unicompartmental arthritis is not uncommon in some younger patients. Many have had the meniscus removed from a previous injury and now years later, arthritis has badly damaged the joint. Pain, stiffness, and loss of motion and function are common.

Joint replacement isn't a good option yet for young adults. Too much bone loss and an implant that only lasts 10 to 15 years makes another replacement difficult. It is possible to have a unicompartmental replacement.

This is an attractive option for middle-aged patients. It only removes and replaces the portion of the joint that's arthritic. Most of the bone is spared making it possible to have a total joint replacement later.

Ask your surgeon if you might be a good candidate for this procedure. You may also want to consider looking into gastric bypass surgery. If weight loss isn't possible, it may be a way to lose weight and protect your joints from future deterioration. Talk to your doctor about your total health picture and find out what all your options are.

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