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Knee Arthritis and the Corresponding Surgery
OVERVIEW
Knee arthritis can make it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but there are more than 100 different forms. While arthritis is mainly an adult disease, some forms affect children. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available to help manage pain and keep people staying active.
As with other arthritic conditions, initial treatment of the knee is quite often nonsurgical. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, medications, alternative therapies and assistive devices. However, once these treatments have been exhausted, your doctor may suggest knee arthritis surgery.
Before any surgical treatment is undertaken, Dr Slattery will thoroughly discuss the risks and possible complications associated with arthritis surgery and whether it is the correct option for you.
ANATOMY
How arthritis can damage your knee and cause discomfort
The knee is the largest and strongest joint in your body. It is made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of the three bones where they touch are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones as you bend and straighten your knee.
Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called meniscus act as “shock absorbers” between your thighbone and shinbone. They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable.
The knee joint is surrounded by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction.
Depending on which arthritis you may be suffering from, the knee joint gradually wears away resulting in bone rubbing on bone. This can cause an immense amount of discomfort, and it’s vital to your recovery that you seek treatment if you believe you are suffering from knee arthritis.
If you believe you are suffering from knee arthritis and may require corresponding surgery, please contact an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Normal knee anatomy. The knee is made up of four main things: bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Arranging a consultation regarding arthritis surgery
In order to reduce any discomfort and debilitation caused by your knee arthritis, it’s important that you seek out an orthopaedic surgeon who understands your unique circumstances while offering compassionate and reliable care.
Dr Slattery is an internationally fellowship trained and recognised specialist orthopaedic surgeon who provides complex pelvic, hip and knee surgery. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Dr Slattery provides a high standard of care when treating his patients.
If you would like to organise a consultation with Dr Slattery, please contact one of his consulting rooms across Melbourne, otherwise please fill out an online contact form and we will get back to you shortly.
To book an appointment please contact Dr Slattery’s rooms on
03 5752 5020
We aim to see all fractures within 24hrs