Knee arthrosis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of the cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process, gradually covering all elements of the articular articulation, leads to a pronounced impairment of motor function, reduces the ability to work and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are engaged in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow achieving 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 language "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons provoking the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with production factors or violation of the exercise regime;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- burdened heredity (mutations of the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and articular pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to adverse factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilaginous tissue cells, and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of protection against functional load, compensatory reactions develop. On the adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, deforming the osteoarticular articulation.
Progressive destruction entails inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of the synthesis of synovial fluid, which aggravates the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its depreciation properties and functionality are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The primary complaint is a dull aching pain in the right or left knee. It first makes itself felt after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations can appear when you are on your feet for a long time and when descending stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-internal articular surface;
- crunch, crepitus on movement;
- deformity of the knee joint;
- limiting flexion and extension of the leg;
- change in walking stereotype, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The outcome of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, can be closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, accounting for 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most vulnerable to the disease:
- elderly and senile persons;
- women during menopause;
- people with increased body weight;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system.
Knee arthrosis degree
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When specifying them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage of increasing symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthrosis caused by aging of the articular cartilage is more often bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is a consequence 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), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and imperceptibly, which is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only timely seeking medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. Treatment of knee arthrosis is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and sports medicine specialists.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in sports terms and at the everyday level. Rehabilitation is aimed at the maximum possible recovery, compensation for impaired or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, but at the same time individual approach allows you to shorten the recovery time. The clinic's specialists strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient to the rehabilitation process and their 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 expanded the diagnostic capabilities. A safe informative visualization method allows you to give a detailed assessment of the state of the osteoarticular and nearby soft tissue structures in almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
An MRI image of the knee joint (with arthrosis) reveals the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, tomography can completely replace radiography and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
Treatment of gonarthrosis is recommended to begin as early as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring the congruence of the articular surfaces and achieving remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex drug-free treatment of gonarthrosis. It includes a dosed load on the joint, kinesiotherapy techniques, physiotherapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key point in the recovery of patients suffering from arthrosis of the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that involve the use of modern technical means and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical capabilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis entails irreversible consequences:
- severe deformation and shortening of the diseased limb;
- disorders in the ankle and hip joint, problems with the spine;
- constant excruciating pain and drug dependence;
- loss of the ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prevention
To maintain health and prevent the steady development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and control the calorie content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injuries and microtraumas;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly observe the squat technique;
- timely treat inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even with normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming arthrosis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to postpone preventive measures and a visit to a specialist.