Deformative arthrosis- a disease associated with degenerative changes (wear) of cartilage tissue, which covers the articular surfaces of bones and allows free movement of organs.
This is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (the prevalence in the adult population in different parts of the world is between 13 and 29%). Deformable arthrosis of the knee joint (Gonarthrosis) is the second most common development after deformity of the hip joint.
Causes of knee osteoarthritis
The mechanism of development of osteoarthritis of the knee is still not fully understood. However, the factors that contribute to the development of pathology have long been known. Some are inevitable - it's old age, female sexuality, hereditary tendencies.
The reasons for the development of deformed arthrosis of the knee joint, which leads to accelerated wear of cartilage, are as follows:
- obesity (more than 66% of gonarthrosis patients are overweight);
- musculoskeletal system pathologies, increase the load on the joints (scoliosis, osteochondrosis, flat feet, systemic diseases of the joints, etc. );
- increased physical activity, including sports.
In addition, the development of gonarthrosis is facilitated by pathologies that disrupt the metabolism of cartilage tissue (endocrine diseases, gout), as well as circulatory diseases (varicose veins of the lower extremities, atherosclerosis of the arteries of the legs, diabetic angiopathy). Timely and adequate treatment of these diseases will help maintain joint function for a long time.
Another common cause of gonarthrosis is a knee injury. In such cases, the pathology progresses at an unusually rapid rate. For this reason, we recommend that all patients with knee injuries be examined in a timely manner and, if necessary, undergo arthroscopy of the knee joint to rule out intra-articular injuries.
When to see a traumatologist
It is necessary to consult an orthopedic-traumatologist immediately after the appearance of the following symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee joint:
- knee pain is the most persistent symptom;
- crisis while moving;
- morning stiffness - usually associated with a kind of "initial pain" and disappears after 30 minutes of movement;
- joint dysfunction - a feeling of emptiness or, conversely, pathological stiffness, lameness, etc.
After a thorough diagnosis, experienced orthopedic traumatologists in MC receive appointments that, depending on the specific situation, choose the optimal method of treatment of the knee joint: surgery or conservative therapy.