Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee, also called osteoarthritis in the medical literature, is a joint disease caused by the wear and deterioration of the cartilage tissue in the knee joint over time. Osteoarthritis is a common condition worldwide and is usually caused by aging, joint trauma, overuse or genetic factors.

As the knee joint is an important joint that provides mobility, arthritis can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Osteoarthritis causes friction and irritation of the joint surfaces as the cartilage surface wears away. This leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement in the joint.

Treatment options can include medication (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy, exercise programs, weight management, injections and surgery. Surgical interventions can include knee joint replacement (total knee replacement) or, more specifically, half knee replacements (unicondylar replacements).

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