Surgical treatments
Your doctor may recommend surgical treatment when other non-surgical measures have failed, and the pain and disability are having very serious effects on your daily activities. An orthopaedic surgeon is the only person who can advise which option might be most appropriate for you. Not all surgeons offer all treatments, so it is important to ask to be referred to a surgeon who offers those you wish to consider. Always remember that you, the patient, have the final decision on whether to go ahead if knee surgery is offered.
Depending on the level of damage you have within the knee joint, there are a number of possible alternative solutions to help reduce knee pain and restore movement.
Arthroscopy
A surgical
procedure to remove debris and generally ‘clean up’ the joint. Whilst
for early arthritis this procedure can be effective, it may be less so
for more advanced disease.
Osteotomy
Bone is cut either above or below the affected joint and then re-aligned in a better position.
Knee replacement
A
total or partial artificial knee can help improve mobility and reduce
pain, allowing you to resume most normal, day-to-day activities.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
