Knee prostheses, conservative surgery, prosthesis replacement
Knee osteoarthritis, also known as gonarthrosis, is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the knee joints.
It is characterized by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.
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Prevention of knee osteoarthritis
Although certain causes of knee osteoarthritis cannot be avoided, such as age and genetics, several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk:
– Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the load on the knees.
– Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve stability.
– Avoiding joint trauma by using appropriate techniques during sports and occupational activities.
– Treating knee injuries as soon as they occur to minimize long-term damage.
– Balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for joint health.
By understanding these causes and risk factors, it is possible to take steps to protect the knee joints and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
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Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is based on several elements:
– Clinical Examination: Assessment of symptoms, mobility, and
pain.
– Imaging: X-rays to visualize cartilage loss, osteophytes, and bone alignment. MRI scans may be necessary for more precise details.
– Laboratory Tests: Although not specific, they can help rule out other causes of joint pain.
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Orthobiologic treatments
Orthobiologic treatments are part of a conservative approach aimed at relieving pain, preserving joint function, and supporting the natural tissue repair mechanisms.
Depending on the medical indication, different solutions may be offered:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Prepared from the patient's own blood, PRP contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. It can be used to support the management of certain articular, tendon, or muscle injuries.
Biotherapies
Biotherapies encompass various techniques designed to promote a biological environment conducive to tissue repair. They can be integrated into a personalized therapeutic strategy, particularly in the context of cartilage pathologies.
Conservative and regenerative cartilage treatment
This approach aims to preserve the joint as much as possible and slow cartilage degradation. It may combine several methods depending on the patient's age, activity level, and the nature of the lesion.
Laser photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate certain cellular processes. It can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote tissue recovery.
Each treatment is offered after a thorough medical evaluation and tailored to the individual patient's situation.
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Total knee replacement (TKR)
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace the damaged or worn parts of the knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is generally performed to relieve pain and restore knee function in patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative knee conditions.
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Unicompartmental knee replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement, also called partial knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, rather than the entire joint. This procedure is generally indicated for patients suffering from osteoarthritis limited to a single compartment of the knee (medial, lateral, or anterior).
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Arthroscopic knee osteotomy
Arthroscopic knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure designed to realign the bones of the knee to correct deformities and redistribute the loads placed on the joint. This procedure is particularly useful for patients suffering from unicompartmental osteoarthritis with knee deformity, such as genu varum (bow legs) or genu valgum (knock knees).
Osteotomy allows body weight to be shifted toward the healthy part of the joint, thereby delaying the need for total knee replacement.
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