JOINT CARTILAGE PROBLEMS IN THE KNEE

If the knee is unable to function adequately because of arthritic destruction then a knee replacement may be the answer. But before that stage a patient with lesser joint surface damage may benefit from a number of options that offer new hope.

Family doctors may not be fully familiar with some of the newer surgical options and you are advised to read up about them and discuss them on our Bulletin Board so that you are yourself fully informed before taking anything further.

Joint cartilage is sensitive both to specific supplements and dietary factors as well as to obesity. A change of diet can in certain cases offer considerable relief to the pain arising from joint cartilage damage.

There is a lot of interest in the beneficial effects of exercise for joint cartilage nutrition. Programmes are being developed where attention is being carefully paid to the outcome and patient's compliance.

A key concept in knee replacement is that of 'arthritis compartments'. Joint cartilage damage may for a relatively long time confine itself to a discrete functional unit (compartment), and measures can be taken to unload the stresses on a single compartment. If this is not possible then the surgeon can replace just the affected part of the joint, avoiding or delaying a total knee replacement.