Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing a knee joint with a prosthetic device. Explore the alternatives to this procedure and their benefits.
Why Consider Knee Replacement Alternatives?
Many patients seek alternatives due to persistent pain and potential risks associated with knee replacement surgery.
Challenges of Knee Replacement
Patients often experience continued pain post-surgery, with studies showing significant discomfort even years later.
Common Risks of Knee Replacement
Understand the risks involved, including increased susceptibility to cardiovascular events and allergic reactions to prosthetic materials.
Types of Knee Replacement Alternatives
Discover effective alternatives that offer relief without the complexities of surgery.
Steroid Injections
While providing short-term relief, steroid injections may not offer long-term solutions due to their impact on cartilage.
Viscosupplementation
Gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid injections offer relief for knee arthritis, though effectiveness may vary over multiple doses.
Knee Nerve Ablation
A promising procedure that involves disabling nerves around the knee joint to alleviate pain, though long-term outcomes are still under study.
Orthobiologics
Utilizing natural substances like PRP and BMC to promote healing and reduce degradation of knee tissues, offering both autologous and allogeneic options.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Derived from the patient’s blood, PRP injections foster cartilage repair and reduce inflammation, beneficial for moderate knee arthritis.
Percutaneous Knee Arthroplasty (PKA)
A sophisticated procedure involving precise injections of bone marrow concentrates guided by ultrasound, effective even in severe cases of knee arthritis.
