Knee osteoarthritis
A diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis raises many questions: Do I have to undergo knee replacement surgery? What alternatives do I have to improve knee pain, stiffness and limited mobility? We understand your concerns and take your needs seriously.
Before we consider surgery, we always first exhaust all conservative treatment options (such as Cellular Matrix injection therapy) in order to alleviate the acute symptoms as best as possible. Together with you, we will find the best way to improve your quality of life.
How does knee osteoarthritis develop?
Osteoarthritis of the knee or gonarthrosis occurs when there is an imbalance between the load-bearing capacity of the cartilage and the actual load over a long period of time. An accident can also lead to damage to the cartilage.
In the knee joint in particular, the shape and axes of the bones must be well harmonised. Disorders in this system or in the muscle and ligament apparatus promote the development of osteoarthritis. In principle, any disease of the joint cartilage, the synovial membrane or the synovial fluid can lead to osteoarthritis. Long-term and massive overweight can also have an influence: The more overweight you are, the greater the strain on the knee joint.
What symptoms does knee osteoarthritis cause?
The following pain and discomfort can occur with advanced knee osteoarthritis and can be different for each person:
- Pain on exertion
- Pain on movement
- Start-up pain
- Inflammatory pain with joint effusion
- Deformation of the joint (bow leg or knock-knee)
- Instability (unsteady gait with risk of falling)
- Restriction of movement
- Muscle tension, muscle shortening and muscle weakness
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Severe knee joint pain with associated impaired mobility must be carefully investigated. After asking the patient personally when and how the pain occurs, a comprehensive clinical examination of the knee joint is carried out to assess and localise pain, movement restrictions, leg length discrepancy and muscle strength.
This is followed by a radiological examination of the knee joint and a whole-leg X-ray in a standing position to determine the load axes and the position of the knee joint.
If anything is unclear, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be carried out in order to better assess the cartilage situation in the knee.
Once all these examinations have been completed, the results are discussed with the patient and further steps are decided.
How is knee osteoarthritis treated?
Interview with PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer
Conservative treatment methods
We are always endeavouring to develop innovative treatment approaches. We are now one of the first centres to offer the combined osteoarthritis therapy"Cellular Matrix". It combines the positive properties of autologous blood therapy with those of hyaluronic acid therapy to achieve even better results in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
The conventional treatment options that are always considered include
- Lifestyle changes in terms of exercise, obesity, diet, etc.
- Aids such as walking sticks, insoles, health shoes
- Medical training therapy and physiotherapy
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication
- Medication and substances for strengthening cartilage
- Injections into the joint with lubricants (hyaluronic acid or autologous blood) and anti-inflammatory medication (cortisone)
These measures can reduce pain and slow down the progression of cartilage wear.
Here you will find a detailed overview of all conservative methods recommended and offered by PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer at our specialist centre.
Surgical treatment methods
Depending on how advanced the knee osteoarthritis is and how severe the symptoms are, there are various surgical procedures to choose from. It is important that you have a thorough examination and consultation with a specialist who can assess the various surgical procedures.
If conservative treatments are unsuccessful and the quality of life is severely restricted due to unsteady gait and knee pain, surgical measures must be considered.
Joint-preserving operations
- Joint endoscopy (arthroscopy)
- Conversion (e.g. from bow leg to knock-knee)
Artificial replacement of the knee joint
- Partial (e.g. sled prosthesis)
- Complete (e.g. soft tissue-orientated surface replacement or a total joint prosthesis / revision prosthesis)
Here you will find more information on the use of an artificial knee joint, which is recommended and offered by PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer at our specialist centre.
Book a consultation appointment
We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a recognised knee expert and has extensive experience in the field of artificial knee joints. He trains foreign doctors in this field and promotes the further development of the soft tissue-orientated technique for the implantation of an artificial knee joint.
Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.
General Swiss insurance (basic health insurance) is sufficient for a consultation at our specialist centre.
Knee prosthesis insertion with the help of augmented reality technology
Cartilage-supporting medication
Hiking despite joint problems?
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer
FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Areas of specialisation: Knee, hip and foot surgery.