Arthrosis of the knee is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process, gradually covering all the elements of the joint joint, leads to a marked impairment of the motor function, decreases the capacity for work and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are involved in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedic correction allow for positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does arthrosis of the knee joint develop?
Knee-joint gonarthrosis (gonia in the Greek language "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that trigger the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with factors of production or violation of exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- overloaded heredity (mutations of the gene that encodes type II collagen chains - the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding into the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors leads to interruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells and decrease in density and elasticity of the hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against the functional load, compensatory reactions develop. In adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear, deforming the osteoarticular joint.
Progressive destruction leads to inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of synovial fluid synthesis, which aggravates cartilage destruction. As a result, its depreciation and functionality properties are reduced.
gonarthrosis symptoms
The main complaint is dull 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 may arise when standing for a long time and when descending stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movement;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the antero-internal joint surface;
- crunching, crackling in motion;
- knee joint deformity;
- limitation of leg flexion and extension;
- change in walking stereotype, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O deformation.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, can be the closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Goonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis, accounting for 33. 3% of the total degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It can be found in all age categories. Most vulnerable to the disease:
- elderly and senile people;
- women during menopause;
- people with increased body weight;
- professional athletes;
- patients undergoing joint surgery or with 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 symptom increase, 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 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 see?
Arthrosis (knee joint), whose symptoms can develop slowly and imperceptibly, so it is called a very insidious disease. Only timely seeking medical help can prevent cartilage destruction. The 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 and in everyday life. Rehabilitation aims at the maximum possible recovery, compensation for impaired or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive, but at the same time individual, allows to shorten the recovery time. The clinic's specialists strive to form a responsible patient attitude towards the rehabilitation process and their health.
diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- radiography;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CT;
- scintigraphy;
- Magnetic resonance.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into orthopedic practice has significantly expanded diagnostic capabilities. A secure informative visualization method allows you to give a detailed assessment of the state of osteoarticular structures and nearby soft tissues in almost every parameter:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovia 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 as early as possible. Its objectives are: to reduce the progression of the pathological process, eliminate pain, restore congruence of joint surfaces and achieve remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, use of orthotics, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapeutic 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 that aim to prevent the development of a pathological process, reduce pain, eliminate edema, strengthen the periarticular muscles, normalize local blood circulation, maintain and improve 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 abilities and the degree of injury 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, problems with the spine;
- constant excruciating pain and drug addiction;
- loss of ability to move independently;
- inability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat well and control the caloric content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injury and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly observe the squat technique;
- treat inflammatory diseases in a timely manner;
- undergo regular examinations even in normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming arthrosis of the knee joint. But the disease is preventable. The main thing is not to postpone preventive measures and the visit to the specialist.