Knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis or wear and tear of the knee joint is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage. The cartilage layer of the knee joint becomes thinner, more irregular or even disappears completely.

Development of osteoarthritis

Most often, the onset of osteoarthritis is a result of old age, possibly in combination with a misalignment of the legs such as X- or O-legs. When osteoarthritis occurs as a result of old age, it is called primary osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis can also occur secondary after an accident, meniscus injury, infection or joint disease.

Symptoms

With osteoarthritis, the pain is usually around the knee and occurs mainly with heavy loading. After a while, night pain and pain at rest also develops. The joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while. After the "startup" it improves. The knee may become thicker due to swelling and you will notice that you can't step as far as you want.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by physical examination. In addition, an X-ray is taken to confirm the diagnosis. This X-ray is done standing up so that the severity of the condition becomes clear.
RX skeleton

Treatment

First, lifestyle modification is attempted by reducing shock loads and losing body weight if necessary. You may use an assistive device such as a cane or walker. Physical therapy can also provide relief. This keeps you moving and makes you work on muscle strengthening.

In addition, you may receive pain relieving or anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medication. Injections of cortisone, hyaluronic acid or PRP (Platement Rich Plasma) can also bring relief.

Intervention

If this does not help enough, surgery is considered. Which surgery you need depends on the severity of the condition.

In active patients, tilt surgery may be considered. This involves turning an O-leg into an X-leg to shift the pressure when stepping.

Sometimes arthroscopy or keyhole surgery can temporarily reduce symptoms. This may help if fluid or blockages in the knee are common with nonoperative treatment.

Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

A definitive solution is a knee replacement or artificial knee. This may involve replacing all or part of the joint.

Knee or hip prosthesis

Rehabilitation

To reduce your symptoms, you can follow an orthopaedic rehabilitation program. After the placement of a knee replacement, you will follow a customized rehabilitation program.

Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after knee or hip replacement

Departments

For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.

Association orthopaedics 011 33 42 86 dr. Peter Bollars 011 69 96 60