I have always been one of those people who is committed to their overall health, but a few years ago, I realized that there had to be something I could do to make things right. I was experiencing some serious back pain, and I didn't know how to improve. Fortunately, I started working hard to correct the issue, and I could see a significant difference right away. I was able to move more normally and eliminate back pain, and it was great to see how much the changes helped. Check out this website to find out how the right medical specialist could help you.
3 Options For Arthritic Knees In Younger Patients
Arthritic knees that warrant more than the occasional dose of pain medication are increasingly common at a younger age. When you have significant pain and limitations from knee arthritis, there are several options for younger patients.
Microfracturing
Although microfracturing is not a solution to serious knee problems, it might help delay your need for a total knee replacement, especially when combined with other therapies. Microfracturing is a procedure that uses controlled damage to help regrow cartilage in a small, damaged area. The procedure is typically performed with an arthroscope, which reduces surgical time and complication rates. The bone around the damaged cartilage is perforated by drilling small holes. This initiates a healing response by the body to add new cartilage. Generally, people who need a total knee replacement have long-standing issues with arthritis. Fixing small areas of worn cartilage in the earlier phases may give younger patients more active, pain-free years.
Partial Knee Replacement
Depending on the extent and location of knee damage, you may only need a partial knee replacement in your younger years. Once it is determined that non-invasive methods of managing knee pain are not effective, it is best to choose a partial knee replacement sooner rather than later since excessive damage can prevent you from being a candidate for the procedure. A partial knee replacement typically addresses damage on the joint surface of either the femur (thigh) or tibia (shin). Another form of partial knee replacement is a unicompartmental knee replacement where the damage is fixed on the left or right side of the knee, or near the kneecap. Since the procedure preserves remaining healthy bone and cartilage, the recovery from a partial knee replacement is usually quicker. Furthermore, the procedure is typically done via minimally-invasive techniques unlike a total knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement
Making the decision to have a total knee replacement at younger age can be difficult. Generally the procedure is considered when there are no other options to reduce pain and improve mobility. During a total knee replacement, both sides of the knee joint are replaced with a prosthesis that is fixed to the bones. This allows the synthetic knee joint to have movement and more closely resemble normal knee function. Orthopedic surgeons may be less inclined to perform a total knee replacement on younger patients because the revision rate is high. Knee replacements will need repairs in the future, meaning the younger you are when you have your total knee replacement, you may need one or more revisions within your lifetime. Additionally, the more active you are, the more risks you might have with your joint loosening.
Having an arthritic knee can be especially limiting at a younger age, when you might be more active and have a demanding lifestyle. Trying less invasive surgical techniques can give you more time before a total knee replacement is inevitable. Visit a site like https://www.superior-orthopedics.com/ for more help.