|
Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones of a joint. A normal joint glides smoothly because cartilage covers the ends of the bones. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage.
Symptoms may include:
-
Joint pain
-
Tenderness
-
Stiffness
-
Locking sensation
A variety of causes - hereditary, developmental, metabolic and mechanical - may initiate processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. The pain that results can lead to decreased movement, which unfortunately exacerbates the problem. Regional muscles atrophy and ligaments become more lax.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Nearly 27 million people in the United States are affected by it. By far, the most common type is knee osteoarthritis, afflicting 46% of people at some point over their lifetime.
Surgery is generally reserved for patients whose osteoarthritis is unresponsive to non-surgical treatment, which typically includes moderate exercise, weight loss and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
|
|
|
If you're experiencing knee pain, we invite you to request an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons to discuss if the MAKOplasty® procedure is right for you.
|
|
| |
