Knee arthrosis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. The progressive pathological process, which gradually covers all elements of the joint, leads to marked impairment of motor functions, reduces the ability to work, and even becomes a cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are involved in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow positive results to be achieved even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of causes of the pathological process includes the following:
- injury;
- chronic trauma involving factors of production or a violation of the system of exercise;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- loaded inheritance (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells, and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Compensatory reactions develop due to the weakening of the protection against functional loading. Marginal growths (osteophytes) appear in adjacent areas of bone tissue that deform osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction results in inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of the synthesis of synovial fluid, which exacerbates cartilage destruction. As a result, its depreciation properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The primary complaint is dull aching pain in the right or left knee. It can be felt first after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful feelings can appear if you stand on your feet for a long time and when you descend the stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- intermittent inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness;
- increased pain on the anterior-inner joint surface;
- crackling, crepitus on movement;
- deformity of the knee joint;
- limiting the bending and stretching of the foot;
- changes in gait stereotypes, impairment of motor functions;
- Formation of X or O deformation.
The outcome of the pathological changes characteristic of the advanced stage may be joint closure and complete immobilization (ankylosis).
Who is in danger?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, accounting for 33. 3% of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It can be found in all ages. The most susceptible to the disease are:
- the elderly and senile;
- women during menopause;
- people who are overweight;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee arthrosis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. These are determined by taking into account the percentage of osteoarticular degradation:
- I - beginner -<10%;
- II - the stage of increasing symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most obvious clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee diseases can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis caused by aging of articular cartilage is more common in bilateral patients and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is a consequence of trauma and pathological disorders. He is usually one-sided and can make his debut at any age.
Which doctor should I go to?
Arthrosis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and unnoticed, is therefore called a very insidious disease. Only seeking medical help in time can stop cartilage destruction. Treatment of knee arthrosis is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists, and sports medicine professionals.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce activity levels, both at the sports and everyday levels. The goal of rehabilitation is to recover as much as possible, to compensate for damaged or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach makes it possible to shorten the recovery time. The professionals at the clinic strive to develop a responsible attitude towards the patient’s rehabilitation process and health.
Diagnostic methods
Instrumental diagnostic methods are used to detect structural changes in the knee joint:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into orthopedic practice has significantly expanded diagnostic capabilities. The safe informative visualization method allows you to evaluate in detail the structure of the osteoarticular and nearby soft parts in almost all parameters:
- glass cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cross ribbons and auxiliary ribbons;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
MRI of the knee joint (for arthrosis) shows the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities, and intraarticular bodies. Therefore, tomography can completely replace radiography and other diagnostic tests.
Treatment
Treatment for gonarthrosis should be started as soon as possible. It pursues the following goals: it reduces the progression of the pathological process, eliminates pain, restores the uniformity of joint surfaces, and achieves remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully applies complex drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. This includes dose loading of the joint, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effects are provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic practices, and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key to recovery for patients with knee arthrosis is physical rehabilitation. It is a package of measures aimed at preventing the development of the pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that include the use of modern technical equipment and patented high-tech simulators. Individual physical exercises are put together for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities, and the extent of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the patient's limb;
- disorders of the ankle and hip joints, problems with the spine;
- persistent painful pain and drug addiction;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the continuous development of degenerative processes, you should follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat correctly and check the caloric content of foods;
- maintaining a healthy body weight and adequate physical activity;
- protects the knee from injuries and microtraumas;
- minimizes the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthens immunity;
- strictly adhere to the technique of squatting when playing sports;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- be subjected to regular examinations, even under normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
Deforming arthrosis of the knee joint cannot yet be completely cured. But the disease is preventable. The most important thing is not to postpone preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.