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Is Arthroscopy The Ideal Treatment For Knee Osteoarthritis?

Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016

Question: 53 years old knee osteoarthritis with probably degenerative medial and lateral meniscal tears, chondromalacia including severe Chondromalacia at the lateral patellar facet.
Is arthroscopy the correct course of action?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Arthroscopic repair will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Osteoarthritis with meniscal tears needs a surgical repair. It is best to get the repair done arthroscopically for earlier recovery.
Cortisone shot and physical therapy will provide only a temporary relief and will not help in repair of the torn menisci. Arthroscopy will help in better healing and less period of immobilization. It is best to go with your orthopedician's advise.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (23 hours later)

I have never had an MRI done on my left knee but it is as painful as my right knee. Right now, I can barely walk. If I have the surgery on my right knee what will happen to my left?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get an MRI scan of left knee also.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Your left knee also would have undergone osteoarthritic changes. It is best to get an MRI scan done and assess the level of damage. If the changes are mild then medicines and physical therapy can help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (38 hours later)

A follow-up question for clarity - Since my problem is degenerative and due to tears and lack of cushioning, how can my planned arthroscopic surgery to remove edges and flaps, thereby reducing cushioning material, help? The planned surgery will not repair the meniscal tears.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can decrease the inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
If the planned surgery surgery will not repair the tears then it will not improve the knee stability. Removal of edges and flaps will help only in reducing the irritation and inflammation. It can help in reducing pain to some extent.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar