Brief Answer: Silicone or plastic no but ACI Detailed Answer: Hi, Silicone and plastic inserts no but there are some advances in cartilage replacement. ACI - autologous cartilage implantation is where cartilage cells are taken from your knee joint and cultured in the lab and then re implanted in your knee joint. there are variations on this theme but the idea is fairly similar. The problem with this extremely expensive technique is that it has not be conclusively shown to be superior to the older techniques of debridement and microfracture of the chondral surfaces. Stem cell research and implantation or the creation of custom made biological implants may supercrew standard joint replacement with metal and plastic but this is someway off. I hope this helps answer your question. best wishes

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Brief Answer: Please see answer below Detailed Answer: If you have moderate to severe osteoarthritis in your knee joint then unfortunately there is no alternative to a total knee replacement to deal with your problem. This may not be what you want to hear but it is the truth. 6 months is somewhat of an overestimate of the period of recovery. 3 months is more realistic. Ask patients who have had this operation. You will not be completely recovered at 3 months but you should be able to walk without aids and have a 0-90 degree range of motion by this stage. Most patients would return to work at this stage unless they are manual labourers. Our OR manager had a knee replacement Mid January and returned to work at the end of March to a limited schedule of 5 hours per day. I'm sorry for slipping into medical speak. Debridement is when your remove any loose or damaged tissue / cartilage from the knee joint. Microfracture is when you puncture the base of a hole in the cartilage of the knee joint to stimulate 2nd best cartilage production. This technique and other are good for small isolated lesions in the articular cartilage, or gliding surface of the knee joint. If you have mild arthritis in one compartment of your knee joint then realignment surgery, such as a high tibial osteotomy (i.e cutting the top of the shin bone and realigning it with a plate and screws) can give relief and preserve the native knee joint for a further number of years. There are some smaller types of knee replacement where only part of the joint is replaced such as the inside, outside or the knee cap femur joint. Replacing the inside only has probably been the most successful and commonly performed procedure. This is called a unicompartmental knee replacement. If you have a significant disability and or pain because of you knee arthritis then I would encourage you to seek further treatment. Steroid shots into the knee can be of benefit. Other more expensive substances such as Hyaluronic acid and other lubricants such as simvisc have not been shown to be anymore beneficial than steroids. There are no oral supplements that have been shown scientifically to benefit patients with osteoarthritis although many people take cod liver oil, glucosamine etc etc. You always want a reluctant surgeon. Your right surgery should be the last resort as it can always make you worse. Sometimes however surgery is the only option particularly if you have pain that you cannot control with other means. Best wishes

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