How Effective Is Preservation Surgery For Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a condition where the cartilage between your joints starts wearing out. This condition is common in people above the age of 50 but may affect younger people as well. Osteoarthritis is common in the knee joint and can limit mobility for those affected.

Lifestyle changes and medication can manage the symptoms of the condition, barring the severe cases. In these severe instances, the doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement is expensive and involves a number of risks. This is why people suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis have started opting for a preservation surgery instead of the replacement of the joint.

What is joint preservation surgery?

Joint preservation surgery looks to heal and rejuvenate the existing joint without replacing it. For people suffering from knee osteoarthritis leading to a deformed alignment of the joint and imbalanced kinematics, joint preservation surgery is a valid option. Furthermore, healing the joint is preferred when the knee osteoarthritis affects people below 50 years of age.

Knee joint preservation Vs joint replacement:

Now that you know what joint preservation surgery involves, you should also understand the benefits of the same against knee replacement.

• In the case of knee replacement surgery, the new joint may not work as well as the doctor and the patient expects. Therefore, even after the surgery, mobility may be severely restricted. However, in joint preservation surgery, doctors will rectify any structural deformities of the joint. This ensures that you recover your mobility after recovering from the surgery.

• The implanted joint in knee replacement surgery may become loose post the surgery. Even though such an instance is uncommon, it does happen from time to time. However, there is no risk of such a thing happening if you undergo knee joint preservation.

Before undergoing surgical procedures for your knee osteoarthritis weigh your options with an orthopaedic surgeon. You may find that joint preservation is better suited to your needs than full knee replacement.