Close to 30 million people are affected by osteoarthritis, and the knee is one of the most common joints involved. There are several treatments available. Dr. Jonathan Mallen, of Orthopaedic & Sports Associates of Long Island (OSALI), discusses various treatments for osteoarthritis and why partial knee replacement may be a good option for some patients.
Conservative Treatments:
“When quality of life is affected so much that action needs to be taken due to the effects of osteoarthritis, conservative treatment is always the first option and preferred course for patients,” said Dr. Mallen. “There are also topical medicated creams and rubs that help to relieve symptoms. Sometimes nutritional supplements, over the counter and prescription medications can also be used, but these need to be used with care to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications. There are different types of injections that are also helpful – cortisone injections as well as lubricating injections.” Other types of conservative treatment options include exercise programs, therapy programs, weight loss, and bracing.
Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Despite these treatment options, unfortunately osteoarthritis may still progress and get worse over time. “When conservative treatment options are no longer effective and providing meaningful relief of symptoms, knee replacement surgery may be an option,” said Dr. Mallen.
Knee Replacement:
Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Knee replacements come in different shapes and sizes, and can be tailored to a patient’s individual anatomy and degree of arthritis instead of a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Types of knee replacements include total or partial knee replacement, minimally invasive surgery and bilateral knee replacement. While in all cases, the goal of knee replacement surgery is to decrease pain and restore function, total knee replacement may not always be necessary. Patients with osteoarthritis that is limited to just one part of the knee may be candidates for unicompartmental knee replacement (also called a "partial" knee replacement).
Facts on partial knee replacement:
- For a patient who has arthritis that is limited to only part of the knee, for instance, the inner aspect or the area under the kneecap.
- Instead of removing and replacing bone across the full surface of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), a much smaller amount of bone is removed.
- This can be done through a much smaller incision, with less blood loss, and typically less pain and a quicker recovery than a total knee replacement.
- A partial knee replacement preserves the knee’s internal ligaments, where as a total knee replacement will remove ligaments from inside the knee – this may result in a more natural “feel” and movement to the knee.
- No knee replacement lasts forever, and studies show partial knee replacements can last 10-15 years.
- Most patients are able to return to a very high level of activity after partial knee replacement, including playing recreational sports such as tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, and hiking
Dr. Mallen adds, “Partial knee replacement can be a really attractive option. It is a procedure that can help people participate in normal activities by themselves and with their families, which is why it is such a staple here at OSALI. Quality of life is our top priority.”
About OSALI
At Orthopaedic & Sports Associates of Long Island (OSALI), we are a team of physicians and staff that are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality, personalized orthopaedic care. With offices in Woodbury, NY and Deer Park, NY, our highly skilled, experienced physicians are all board-certified in orthopaedic surgery with subspecialty fellowship training. We deliver care with compassion and technical expertise in a family-like office atmosphere, exhausting all non-operative treatment options and using the most advanced surgical procedures, including state-of-the-art minimally invasive open and arthroscopic techniques. We encourage patient’s active participation in treatment through education and exercise programs and work with them toward their recovery. The OSALI name represents excellence in orthopaedics. We continually set and maintain the highest of standards in the care of our patients.
To learn more about OSALI, call (516) 364-0070 or visit www.osaliortho.com.
Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/liorthosports.
