Knee arthrosis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. The progressive pathological process, gradually encompassing all elements of articular articulation, causes a significant decrease in motor function, reduces the ability to work and even becomes a cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are involved in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnostics and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does arthrosis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that drive the development of pathological processes include:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma related to production factors or violation of the training regime;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- burdensome heredity (gene mutations that encode type II collagen chains - hyaline cartilage matrix);
- congenital dysplasia and articular pathology;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulation.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors causes disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, cell death of cartilage tissue, and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Because of the weakness of protection against functional loads, compensatory reactions develop. In areas adjacent to bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, altering osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction requires inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and violation of synovial fluid synthesis, which exacerbates cartilage destruction. As a result, the nature and function of depreciation is reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint was aching pain in the right or left knee. It starts to be felt after taking a walk or doing intense physical activity. Painful sensations can appear when you are on your feet for a long time and when going down stairs. As the degenerative process progresses, other symptoms appear:
- morning movement stiffness;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joints;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain at the anterior-internal articular surface;
- crunch, crepitus on movement;
- knee joint deformity;
- limiting bending and elongation of the legs;
- changes in walking stereotypes, impaired motor function;
- development of X or O deformation.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of advanced stages, can be complete closure and immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, accounting for 33. 3% of total degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is available in all age categories. Most susceptible to this disease:
- parents and grandparents;
- women during menopause;
- people with weight gain;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
Stages of knee arthrosis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When determining this, the percentage of osteoarticular decline is taken into account:
- I - early -<10%;
- II - the degree of improvement of symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary arthrosis (idiopathic) caused by aging of the articular cartilage is more often bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. Secondary degenerative processes are the result of trauma and pathological disorders. He is usually one -sided and can make his debut at any age.
Which doctor should I go to?
Arthrosis (knee joint), its symptoms can develop slowly and invisibly, which is why it is called a very dangerous disease. Only getting timely medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. Treatment of knee arthrosis is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports physicians.
Excerpts from rehabilitation experts
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce activity levels, both in terms of sports and on a daily basis. Recovery is intended for maximum recovery, compensation for functions that are damaged or completely lost. Multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten recovery time. Clinicians strive to shape patients ’attitudes that are responsible for their recovery process and health.
Diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasonography;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- MRI.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into orthopedic practice has significantly improved diagnostic capabilities. Safe information visualization methods allow you to provide a detailed assessment of the state of the structure of osteoarticular and nearby soft tissue in almost all parameters:
- prone to hyaline;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate ligaments and collaterals;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
MRI images of the knee joint (with arthrosis) revealed the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, tomography can replace radiography and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
Treatment of gonarthrosis is recommended to be started as early as possible. This achieves the following objectives: reduces the development of pathological processes, relieves pain, restores the fit of the articular surface and achieves remission. There are 4 main areas of therapy:
- prevention (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
Rehabilitation centers successfully use complex drug -free gonarthrosis treatment. These include dose load on the joints, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effects were given by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Recovery
A key point in the recovery of patients suffering from knee joint arthrosis is physical recovery. It is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of pathological processes, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening the periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
Rehabilitation centers actively use rehabilitation programs that involve the use of modern technical methods and patented high -tech simulators. A set of individual physical exercises was developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical ability and degree of damage to the knee joint.
As a result
Neglected forms of gonarthrosis have irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of diseased limbs;
- disorders of the ankles and hip joints, problems with the spine;
- persistent pain and drug dependence;
- loss of ability to move freely;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the development of ongoing degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat properly and control the calorie content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and adequate physical activity;
- protect your knee from injury and microtrauma;
- reduce the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- while playing sports, observe the squat technique strictly;
- treat inflammatory diseases in a timely manner;
- undergo regular checkups even with normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is still not possible to completely cure arthrosis of the deformed knee joint. But the disease is preventable. The main thing is not to delay preventive measures and visits to specialists.