What is Osteoarthritis?
The ends of the tibia and femur that join together to create the knee joint are each covered by a layer of fibrous tissue known as articular cartilage. This cartilage acts as a protective covering with a smooth surface to allow for easy, fluid movements as the knee is bent. Osteoarthritis is a condition where this articular cartilage is degraded, or worn down overtime, resulting in pain and swelling in the knee joint. Osteoarthritis is a very debilitating form of arthritis due to the effect it has on the articular cartilage and other soft tissues of the joint.
What is joint preservation for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is painful and can limit someone’s ability to walk or move comfortably. In order to alleviate the pain and symptoms of this condition, knee joint preservation surgery is often recommended. Knee joint preservation is an alternative to knee replacement surgery in patients who are not good candidates for a knee replacement due to young age or high activity level or have only small (focal) area of cartilage disease. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced osteoarthritis in the knee.
Who would qualify for joint preservation for osteoarthritis?
Knee joint preservation surgery has increased in popularity because it is an alternative to knee replacement surgery. Many patients may only have small segments of articular cartilage affected by osteoarthritis. Knee joint preservation surgery allows these patients to put off, or in some cases avoid entirely, having a knee replacement operation performed. Additionally, knee joint preservation offers relief to patients who may not be good candidates for knee replacement surgery because of their age or high activity level. Dr. Lamplot will evaluate each patient carefully in order to determine if knee joint preservation surgery is the right option for them.
How is knee joint preservation surgery done?
Initially, Dr. Lamplot will evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. He may also order diagnostic testing such as an MRI scan to determine the extent of damaged tissue in the knee joint. Knee joint preservation surgery is typically performed using a combination of arthroscopic and mini-open techniques. The goals of this procedure are to improve pain and function. In some patients, Dr. Lamplot may perform this surgery in conjunction with more specific knee joint preservation surgeries. These may include:
The complexity of the knee joint preservation surgery performed will be tailored to the patient’s condition and concerns.
What is recovery like after knee joint preservation?
The recovery time following knee joint preservation surgery is dependent on several factors including the complexity of the surgery performed and the patient’s compliance with physical therapy. Recovery time will be longer for patients who had a combination operation including a knee osteotomy or cartilage restoration surgery. Physical therapy is essential after knee joint preservation surgery because it will help improve leg strength and range of motion to achieve the best outcome for the patient. Dr. Lamplot will give each patient a personalized recovery timeline and post-operative instructions.
Joint Preservation Surgeon
Osteoarthritis in the knee can cause pain and stiffness when the articular cartilage becomes damaged or worn. Usually a condition seen in older patients, osteoarthritis can be treated successfully with several different joint preservation techniques. Complex knee expert Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who are suffering from knee osteoarthritis and would like to avoid a total knee replacement. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
