Knee arthritis: Surgery and other treatments

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee arthritis is characterized by the progressive wear and tear of the articular cartilage, which leads to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the joint allows for smooth, pain-free movement. When this cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing severe pain and inflammation. The causes of osteoarthritis include aging, previous injuries, mechanical imbalances, and genetic factors. The symptoms of this condition often worsen with physical activity but can also cause discomfort at rest, affecting simple daily tasks like walking or climbing stairs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Before you undergo surgery for knee arthritis, various conservative treatments are recommended to manage your symptoms. These non-surgical approaches aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation—these are called symptomatic treatments. These medications help control a patient’s symptoms and improve their quality of life. Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. Viscosupplementation, such as hyaluronic acid, improves joint lubrication and can reduce pain and enhance mobility.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in improving muscle strength, joint mobility, and knee stability. Customised exercise programmes, developed by a physiotherapist, help maintain range of motion and reduce the loads on the knee joint. Exercises may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and low-impact aerobics activities like swimming and cycling. Manual therapy techniques, including mobilisation and manipulation, can also be used to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Arthritis of the knee surgery

When non-surgical treatments are no longer able to control a patient’s symptoms, several arthritis of the knee surgery options can be considered to restore joint function and reduce pain.

Professor Etienne Cavaignac will propose a treatment plan adapted to your case.

Osteotomy

Osteotomy is an option for patients whose leg is misaligned. This severe knee arthritis surgery realigns the knee bones to redistribute weight away from the damaged part of the joint. By correcting the leg’s alignment, osteotomy can reduce pain and improve joint function.

Arthroplasty (Knee replacement)

Another surgery for knee arthritis is knee replacement, or arthroplasty, which involves replacing the osteoarthritic joint with a prosthesis. This surgery is generally reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed. Total knee arthroplasty replaces all joint surfaces, while partial arthroplasty only replaces part of the joint, preserving more bone tissue. This surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing their pain and restoring their mobility.

Postoperative care and arthritis knee surgery recovery time

Arthritis knee surgery recovery time typically takes about 3 months for most patients to regain significant function, with full recovery often occurring within 6-12 months. Postoperative care and rehabilitation for knee arthritis are essential to ensure a swift and successful recovery after surgery.

Early Postoperative Care

The postoperative care after knee surgery begins immediately, focusing on pain management and early mobilization to encourage healing. Patients may be given pain relievers and NSAIDs to control pain. Applying ice and elevating the leg helps to reduce swelling. Devices such as canes or walkers are used to support walking and early mobilization.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after knee arthritis surgery is crucial for regaining full function. It typically begins a few days after surgery and can continue for several months. Physiotherapy sessions include strengthening exercises, stretching, and activities to improve endurance and mobility. Physiotherapists work with patients to establish a rehabilitation programme tailored to their specific needs, aiming to restore joint function and prevent complications.

Orthense for Knee Osteoarthritis Surgery Follow-Up

Professor Etienne Cavaignac places great emphasis on the follow-up after knee surgery for osteoarthritis. He provides guidance on post-surgery steps to promote good recovery and optimize pain management. Additionally, he offers a tool to optimize postoperative follow-up.

Orthense is a digital healthcare solution deployed by Professor Cavaignac to support patients throughout their surgical journey. This platform allows for remote monitoring, reducing the need to come to the hospital. Online interactions, such as questionnaires and specific information, enhance communication between the patient and medical teams, promoting personalised and effective rehabilitation.

The knee arthritis treatment (surgery or conservative treatment) requires a personalised approach that takes into account the patient's anatomy, the degree of joint degeneration, and the patient's life goals. By wisely combining conservative and surgical treatments, this condition can be managed effectively, improving a patient’s quality of life. The goal of our integrated and well-coordinated care is to maximize results and minimize negative impacts on daily life. By working closely with a specialised medical team, patients can find the most appropriate solutions for their individual needs and achieve optimal recovery.

If you have any questions or if you are looking to have knee arthritis surgery in Europe, you can contact Professor Etienne Cavaignac via email at contact@professeur-cavaignac.com or through the contact form.