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Suggest Treatment For Knee Osteoarthritis
Question: I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both my knees about three years ago by an orthopedic surgeon. I currently do some daily strengthening exercises, eat a low-inflammation diet (fairly faithfully, but not always), and take two tablets of naproxen per day to moderate the pain. In the last few months, however, it has worsened enough that both knees are painful when I climb stairs or walk more than a hundred yards or so. I'm a 64 y.o. male, overweight (260#, 5'11"), and out of shape in part because I can't maintain the walking routine I used to have.
I'm clearly headed toward dual knee replacement surgery, but I would like the type of surgery that would let me rehab relatively quickly (I know that "relatively" still means quite a few months!) and give me the most mobility and strength afterwards so I can regain at least minimal cardio fitness, as well as the ability to do ordinary things like kneel in my garden, go camping, and play outdoor games (at least to some degree) with my teenagers. I know there are several types of surgery, including some new ones. My surgeon seems to specialize in one particular type of surgery for most of his patients, but I'd like another perspective on which procedures might best help me achieve my goals. What types of surgery would you suggest I consider? Thank you.
I'm clearly headed toward dual knee replacement surgery, but I would like the type of surgery that would let me rehab relatively quickly (I know that "relatively" still means quite a few months!) and give me the most mobility and strength afterwards so I can regain at least minimal cardio fitness, as well as the ability to do ordinary things like kneel in my garden, go camping, and play outdoor games (at least to some degree) with my teenagers. I know there are several types of surgery, including some new ones. My surgeon seems to specialize in one particular type of surgery for most of his patients, but I'd like another perspective on which procedures might best help me achieve my goals. What types of surgery would you suggest I consider? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Total knee replacement is preferred.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
For advanced osteoarthritis of the knee total knee replacement is considered the best option. Partial knee replacement or resurfacing often needs a revision surgery later on.
Regarding the type of knee replacement- Posterior cruciate ligaments can be retained for posterior stability in case your ligaments are healthy enough. This decision depends on your surgeon. Preserving the ligaments helps in better flexion and knee recovery.
Minimally invasive surgery is a better option than the traditional surgery. It trims the hospital stay to three to four days and it can shorten the recovery period to four to six weeks. But minimally invasive surgery is more difficult to perform and requires a more specific technique, instruments, and surgical training.
It is best to decide the best option for you after consulting your surgeon so that he can give you the best results.
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
Total knee replacement is preferred.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
For advanced osteoarthritis of the knee total knee replacement is considered the best option. Partial knee replacement or resurfacing often needs a revision surgery later on.
Regarding the type of knee replacement- Posterior cruciate ligaments can be retained for posterior stability in case your ligaments are healthy enough. This decision depends on your surgeon. Preserving the ligaments helps in better flexion and knee recovery.
Minimally invasive surgery is a better option than the traditional surgery. It trims the hospital stay to three to four days and it can shorten the recovery period to four to six weeks. But minimally invasive surgery is more difficult to perform and requires a more specific technique, instruments, and surgical training.
It is best to decide the best option for you after consulting your surgeon so that he can give you the best results.
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
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
Answered by
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