In this article

• What Is Osteoarthritis?
• Who Gets Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
• What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?
• How Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee Diagnosed?
• How Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated?
• Is Surgery Used to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis?

Is Surgery Used to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis?

• Arthroscopy uses a small telescope (arthroscope) and other small instruments. The surgery is performed through small incisions. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to see into the joint space. Once there, the surgeon can remove damaged cartilage or loose particles, clean the bone surface, and repair other types of tissue if those damages are discovered. The procedure is often used on younger patients ( ages 55 and younger) in order to delay more serious surgery.
• An osteotomy is a procedure that aims to make the knee alignment better by changing the shape of the bones. This type of surgery may be recommended if you have damage primarily in one area of the knee. It might also be recommended if you have broken your knee and it has not healed well. An osteotomy is not permanent, and further surgery may be necessary later on.
• Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which joints are replaced with artificial parts made from metals or plastic. The replacement could involve one side of the knee or the entire knee. Joint replacement surgery is usually reserved for people over age 50 with severe osteoarthritis. The surgery may need to be repeated later if the joint wears out again after several years, but with today's modern advancements most new joints will last over 20 years. The surgery has risks, but the results are generally very good.