The knee joint is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of the cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bony plate. A progressive pathological process, which gradually covers all elements of the joints, leads to a marked decline in motor function, a decrease in working capacity and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic surgeons are engaged in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Timely diagnosis and a competent approach to orthopedics allow to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does knee osteoarthritis develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee (gony from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons that provoke the development of the pathological process includes:
- injury;
- chronic injury related to factors of production or violation of the exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obese;
- burden inheritance (mutation in the gene encoding the collagen chain type II - the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasia and joint pathology;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulation.
Long-term exposure to adverse factors leads to metabolic disorders in the knee joint, death of cartilage tissue cells, and a decrease in density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against functional loads, compensatory reactions develop. In the adjacent areas of bone tissue, marginal proliferations (osteoblasts) appear, deforming the joint.
Progressive destruction entails inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of the synthesis of synovial fluid, exacerbating cartilage destruction. As a result, its depreciable and functional properties are reduced.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The main complaint is a dull ache in the right or left knee. It first creates a sensation on its own after a long walk or intense physical activity. Pain may occur when you stand for a long time and when going down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- cyclic synovitis (bursitis) and fluid accumulation in the joints;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-medial joint surface;
- crunch, crepitus in motion;
- deformity of the knee joint;
- limited flexion and extension of the leg;
- changing walking stereotypes, impaired motor function;
- development of X or O deformation.
As a result of pathological changes, characteristic of the advanced stage, complete closure and immobilization of the joint may result (ankylosing spondylitis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of degenerative joint disease, accounting for 33. 3% of all degenerative - dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most susceptible to illness:
- the elderly and the elderly;
- women in menopause;
- people gain body weight;
- professional athletes;
- Patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital musculoskeletal malformations.
Level of knee joint
There are 4 degrees of gonarthrosis. When determining them, the percentage of bone deterioration is taken into account:
- I - initials -<10%;
- II - the period of an increase in symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% fail.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) arthritis due to articular cartilage aging is usually bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. Secondary degenerative processes result from trauma and pathological disorders. He's usually one-sided and can debut at any age.
Which doctor should I see?
Arthritis (knee joint), symptoms can develop slowly and be difficult to recognize, which is why it is called a very dangerous disease. Only timely medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. Treatment of knee effusion is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, rheumatologists, and sports medicine specialists.
Quote from a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce activity levels, both at sports and on a daily basis. Rehabilitation is aimed at maximum possible recovery, compensating for impaired or complete loss of functions. A multidisciplinary, holistic yet individualized approach allows you to shorten recovery times. Clinic specialists always strive to form a responsible attitude of patients towards their rehabilitation and health.
Diagnostic method
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- X-ray;
- arthroscopy;
- supersonic;
- CT;
- Scanning;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging into orthopedic practice has greatly expanded diagnostic possibilities. A secure information visualization method that allows you to assess in detail the state of adjacent bone and soft tissue structures in almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament;
- synovial capsule and synovial cavity.
MRI image of the knee joint (with arthritis) shows the presence of bursitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities, and intra-articular structures. Therefore, tomography can completely replace radiography and other diagnostic studies.
The treatment
Treatment for gonarthrosis is recommended to begin as soon as possible. It pursues the following goals: reducing the progression of the pathological process, eliminating pain, restoring the uniformity of the joint surfaces and achieving remission. There are four main areas of therapy:
- prevention (weight loss, injury prevention, wearing a brace, physical education);
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapeutic treatment;
- surgical correction.
The Rehabilitation Center successfully uses a non-pharmacological complex treatment of gonarthrosis. It includes a dose of joint load, kinetic therapy techniques, physical therapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key point in the recovery process of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee is physical rehabilitation. This is a set of measures aimed at stopping the development of the pathological process, relieving pain, eliminating edema, strengthening muscle peristalsis, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving the ability tomotor.
The active rehabilitation center employs rehabilitation programs that involve the use of state-of-the-art technical facilities and patented high-tech simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account your age, general condition, lifestyle, physical ability, and extent of damage to the knee joint.
Result
The neglected form of gonarthrosis leads to irreversible consequences:
- severe deformity and shortening of the diseased limb;
- disorders in the ankle and hip joints, problems with the spine;
- persistent severe pain and drug dependence;
- loss of the ability to move independently;
- disabilities.
Preventive
To maintain health and prevent the steady development of degenerative processes, you must follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat right and control the calorie content of food;
- maintaining a healthy weight and adequate physical activity;
- protect your knees from injuries and minor injuries;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports it is necessary to strictly observe the squatting technique;
- timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even with normal health;
- Choose comfortable shoes.
There is still no complete cure for knee deformity. But the disease is preventable. The main thing is not to delay preventive measures and visit a specialist.