Osteoarthritis of the knee 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 joint joint, 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 diagnostics and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis 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 factors of production or violation of the exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- burdened heredity (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains - the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic manipulations of the knee.
Prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors leads to disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, the death of cartilage tissue cells and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against functional load, compensatory reactions develop. On the adjacent areas of the bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, deforming the osteoarticular joint.
Progressive destruction involves 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 and functionality properties are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint is a dull, aching pain in the right or left knee. It makes itself felt for the first time after a long walk or intense physical activity. Painful sensations can appear when standing for a long time and when walking down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- periodic inflammation of the synovitis (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the antero-internal joint surface;
- creaking, rattling in motion;
- deformity of the knee joint;
- limit flexion and extension of the leg;
- change in the stereotype of walking, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The outcome of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, may be the 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 people;
- women during menopause;
- people with weight gain;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee osteoarthritis
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. In their specification, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage of increased symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% defeat.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis 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. It is usually one-sided and can make its 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 osteoarthritis 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 on a daily basis. Rehabilitation is aimed at maximum possible recovery, at compensating for impaired or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary, complete, but at the same time individual approach makes it possible to shorten recovery times. Clinic specialists strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient to the rehabilitation process and his health.
Diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- TC;
- scintigraphy;
- magnetic resonance.
The introduction of MRI into orthopedic practice has greatly expanded the diagnostic capabilities. A secure informative visualization method allows you to provide a detailed assessment of the state of the osteoarticular structures and nearby soft tissues in almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovial and synovial cavity.
An MRI image of the knee joint (with osteoarthritis) reveals the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities, and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, tomography can completely replace radiography and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
It is recommended to start treatment of gonarthrosis as soon as possible. It pursues the following objectives: to reduce the progression of the pathological process, eliminate pain, restore congruence of the articular surfaces and achieve remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing orthoses, physical education);
- pharmacological 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, kinesitherapy 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 osteoarthritis of the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. This is a series of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening the 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. For each patient, an individual set of physical exercises is developed. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of gonarthrosis has irreversible consequences:
- severe deformation and shortening of the diseased limb;
- ankle and hip joint disorders, spinal problems;
- constant excruciating pain and drug addiction;
- loss of the ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you need to follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and control the calorie content of food;
- maintaining a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect the knees from injuries and microtraumas;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly observe the squat technique;
- promptly treat inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even in normal health conditions;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming osteoarthritis 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.