Knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is painful as joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth cartilage lining the joints gets damaged. Without the protection of cartilage, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move causing the pain that is all too common for sufferers. Simple, everyday things, like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult.

There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it does get worse with time. However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain.

The damaged joint can be replaced with an artificial one, called a prosthesis – it can be made from a combination of metal or plastic. This is a common procedure to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and is a long-term solution for a worn-out joint.

Knee Osteoarthritis and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can be used to treat mild to moderate arthritis of the knee.

Blood from the vein is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma rich in platelets. This is then injected into the knee. The platelets act as a catalyst to help repair the body’s own cells and reduce inflammation. Your consultant will generally recommend a course of 3 injections, one week apart. This can be completed as an outpatient appointment, which therefore means it is a quick and efficient procedure and could result in a decreased risk of surgery.

Data has shown the effects of PRP therapy can last for up to two years in some cases. It should be noted that it is best combined with a rehabilitation programme and lifestyle changes to get the best benefit.

Related tests and scans

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a miniature telescope is inserted through a 2cm incision over a joint, for example the hip, knee, ankle or shoulder.

CT scan (or CAT scan)

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

MRI scan

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body.. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

X-ray

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

Related treatments and procedures

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which started about 2000 ago, and these days we know how it works. A qualified health professional inserts fine needles into different points on the body and the process stimulates the nerves.

Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair or replace a damaged or diseased joint.

Arthrosamid® injections

Arthrosamid® helps to cushion the joint, alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, and enhancing mobility in the knee.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation) and MACI (matrix-induced chondrocyte implantation) are advanced tissue-engineered technologies used to repair damaged articulating surfaces, mainly in the knee joint.

Cartilage reconstruction

Cartilage is the thin tissue that covers bone surfaces providing smooth, friction free movement.

Cartilage resurfacing

If conservative treatments for damaged cartilage are not successful your consultant may recommend cartilage resurfacing.

Chondroplasty

Chondroplasty is a surgical procedure to remove damaged cartilage in a joint.

Image guided joint injections

If your swollen or painful joints, ligaments or tendons do not respond to conservative treatments your consultant may recommend image guided joint injections.

Joint resurfacing

Joint surfaces damaged by wear and tear or arthritis may be able to be resurfaced.

Knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy (also called keyhole knee surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee joint using a camera inserted through small cuts in the skin.

Knee replacement

This is a procedure to remove your damaged knee joint and replace it with an artificial joint.

Matrix-induced chondrocyte implantation (MACI)

Matrix-induced chondrocyte implantation is used to repair damaged articulating surfaces, mainly in the knee joint.

Patella stabilisation

During patela stabilisation either torn ligaments are repaired or a tendon may be repositioned.

Patellofemoral joint replacement

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists use a range of hands-on techniques to help you recover from and prevent muscle and joint problems.

Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment (PRP)

PRP treatment uses a patient's own blood to promote the healing of injured tendons, joints, muscles and ligaments.

nSTRIDE® Autologous Protein Solution (APS)

nSTRIDE® APS is an autologous (from your own body) protein solution treatment that is designed to treat the joint pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.