Knee osteoarthritis

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.

Find out more about osteoarthritis and the stages here.

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.

Conservative treatment methods

Alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication
• Medication and substances for cartilage strengthening
• Medical training therapy / physiotherapy
• Injections into the joint with lubricants (hyaluronic acid or autologous blood) and anti-inflammatory medication (cortisone)
• Aids such as walking sticks, insoles, health shoes
• Changes in lifestyle with regard to sport, obesity, diet, etc.

These measures can reduce the pain and slow down the progression of cartilage wear. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis itself cannot be stopped or cured.

Here you will find a detailed overview of all the 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 therapies to choose from. It is important that you have a thorough examination and consultation with a specialist who can assess all treatment options.

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.