Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, is a common source of knee pain. Clinically, osteoarthritis of the knee often results in swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and crepitus. Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed radiographically based on the degree of joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and cystic changes. Conservative treatment is recommended for at least 6 months prior to surgical intervention for osteoarthritis. The best conservative therapy involves a combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) have specific treatment guidelines based on clinical research and expert opinion. When conservative treatment measures have been exhausted, total knee arthroplasty is an ideal surgical treatment for symptomatic relief.