Knee Osteoarthritis
Relieve the Pain.
Restore Your Mobility.
Comprehensive treatment for knee osteoarthritis focused on reducing pain, preserving joint function and helping you return to an active life.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis)?
The cartilage in the knee is a highly specialized tissue that covers the ends of the femur and tibia, providing a smooth surface between the joint structures and allowing movement. Cartilage has limited capacity for self-repair, and the tissue formed during healing is mechanically weaker than the original cartilage.
The deterioration and weakening of the cartilage structure in the knee for various reasons is known as osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis).
What Causes Gonarthrosis (Knee Osteoarthritis)?
- Trauma, including cartilage damage caused by impacts or falls
- Aging (idiopathic)
- Rheumatic diseases
- Infection
- Inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and gout
- Hemophilia
What Are the Symptoms of Gonarthrosis (Knee Osteoarthritis)?
Particularly in patients over the age of 50, symptoms may include:
- Knee pain, especially on the inner side of the knee
- Difficulty walking
- Restricted range of motion
- Knee deformity, such as bow-legged alignment
- Crepitus, or clicking/grating sounds during knee movement
- Pain that wakes the patient at night
- Increased pain when going up or down stairs
How Is Gonarthrosis Diagnosed?
During the physical examination, the physician evaluates tender areas of the knee, range of motion, and any deformity.
X-rays may show narrowing of the knee joint space due to cartilage loss, deterioration of the joint surface, osteophytes (bone spurs), and joint deformity.
Advanced imaging methods such as MRI and CT scans are generally not required.
What Are the Treatment Options for Gonarthrosis (Knee Osteoarthritis)?
Treatment options for knee osteoarthritis vary according to the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, cause and stage of osteoarthritis, and individual expectations.
For patients under 50 with early-stage osteoarthritis and symptoms that are not severe, non-surgical (conservative) treatment is generally recommended initially. These treatments may include:
- Weight loss if the patient is overweight
- Avoiding painful activities and occupations that require prolonged standing
- Modifying activities, such as reducing stair climbing and walking up or down steep slopes
- Exercise programs aimed particularly at strengthening the thigh muscles
- Pain-relieving medications, including NSAIDs
- Ice therapy
If symptoms persist despite these measures, intra-articular treatments such as hyaluronic acid, NSAIDs, or corticosteroid injections may be considered.
For patients with gonarthrosis who do not benefit from conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be considered according to the severity of the disease and the patient’s age.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through two small incisions rather than fully opening the knee joint. It allows the surgeon to identify and treat abnormalities within the knee.
Studies have shown that when arthroscopy is performed for osteoarthritis, it may provide temporary improvement, but symptoms may recur later.
High Tibial Osteotomy
High tibial osteotomy is a treatment option for patients under 65 with osteoarthritis primarily affecting the inner side of the knee.
The aim is to shift the weight-bearing axis of the knee slightly toward the outside, reducing the load on the inner part of the joint and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.
Weight-bearing is not permitted immediately after this procedure; the patient can begin bearing weight after the bone has healed.
Unicondylar Knee Replacement
Unicondylar knee replacement is a treatment option for patients under 65 with osteoarthritis affecting the inner side of the knee.
The aim is to replace the damaged cartilage on the inner side of the knee with an implant, creating a pain-free and mobile knee joint.
Movement and weight-bearing are generally allowed from the day after surgery.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
The aim is to remove all damaged areas of cartilage and replace them with implants, creating a pain-free knee with a functional range of motion.
Patients are generally allowed to stand and walk from the day after surgery.
Knee implants have a limited lifespan. Depending on the implant’s design and quality and the amount of load placed on the knee, their average lifespan is approximately 15–20 years. For this reason, total knee replacement is generally not recommended for patients under 50 unless it is necessary.
What Should Patients Pay Attention to After Knee Replacement?
Following total knee replacement, the 10–15-year success rate ranges from approximately 85% to 93%. Factors that increase the likelihood of success include patient compliance and high-quality implants positioned using appropriate surgical techniques.
After the prosthesis is implanted, the wound dressing should be changed every two days and the sutures should be removed on the 15th day. The wound should be kept away from water until the sutures are removed.
Prescribed medications should be used carefully. Antibiotics should be taken to reduce the risk of infection. Blood-thinning medication should be used for 21 days to help prevent blood clots.
Ice therapy should be applied to the surgical area 8–10 times per day for 15–20 minutes each time to help reduce swelling and pain.
Patients should perform the exercises prescribed to them. Proper and consistent knee-bending and strengthening exercises are among the most important factors contributing to a successful recovery.
What Are the Risks of Refusing Treatment for Advanced Gonarthrosis?
As the disease progresses, treatment may become more complex and the likelihood of successful treatment may decrease. However, the criteria and rate at which joint disease progresses can vary depending on the individual patient and the underlying condition.
Knee osteoarthritis is generally progressive, and symptoms tend to increase over time. In some patients, however, symptoms may come and go.
If left untreated, knee osteoarthritis is not expected to improve on its own. Knee movement may become increasingly restricted, which can impair walking and subsequently contribute to pain in the legs and lower back.
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