Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
Content

Ask An Expert

Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

C. Scott Walthour

C. Scott Walthour, M.D.

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

Question:

I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?

Answer:

Thanks for the great question. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain - it is the "wear and tear" degeneration of the knee's cartilage layer that occurs over time. In basic terms, it is like the brake pads on the car wearing down - when the cartilage in the knee gets thin or worn out, the knee lets you know by being painful, stiff, or even swollen. In severe cases, when all attempts at non-surgical treatment do not lead to good pain relief, a total knee replacement is a great surgical option.

This involves placing a metal prosthesis into the knee with a high density plastic insert that acts as a new bearing for the knee. Unfortunately, knee replacements can wear or loosen over time. This is not as big of a problem in an elderly patient, but a 45-year-old, active patient may need a revision operation if a total knee replacement fails.

Various non-surgical options exist for treatment of osteoarthritis in younger patient populations. Cortisone, viscosupplementation, specialized knee braces, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and activity modification all have potential roles in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and should be considered before proceeding with any surgical intervention..

I believe that the procedure you are referring to is the "partial" knee replacement. As you would expect, this operation does not replace all of the cartilage surfaces in the knee, but only addresses the problematic area of arthritis -- normally this would be the inner or medial aspect of the joint. This can be a great operation, but not all patients fit the criteria that help to make this operation successful. One of the main issues is that since the surgery only replaces part of the knee, any arthritis in the remaining joint will still be there after the surgery. Therefore, your surgeon will take x-rays and on occasion use an MRI to study the knee to see if the rest of the joint surfaces look great. This operation has the benefit of a shorter hospital stay, it can be less painful than a complete knee replacement, and the recovery can be easier.

Many orthopedic surgeons are performing partial knee replacements. This surgery adds to our list of possible options available to younger patients with troubling osteoarthritis.

Related Questions

Question
  • Painful Pops and Cracks in Knees
    My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I'm 19 years old, at a healthy weight, and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
  • Knee Pain
    I've been having problems with my knee hurting when I bend it or straighten it out. What can I do to help the pain, and should I see a doctor?
  • Knee Strengthening Exercises After Surgery
    Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
  • Swelling Behind Knee
    Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
  • Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Arthritis
    I have arthritis in my knees. What are some alternative forms of treatment instead of surgery? I've had cortisone shots, but they are ineffective now.

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences