What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is very common and can be thought of as a wear and tear condition of the cartilage knee – however recent research suggests that there is a strong inflammatory component to knee arthritis as well and that the underlying pathology is much more complicated than originally thought.
There are many different causes, although in the majority of cases it is referred to as primary osteoarthritis – the knee joint has worn out. Other secondary causes include infection, fractures, previous surgery, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis amongst others.
Knee arthritis most commonly affects the medial (closest to the midline of the body) part of the knee, but it can also affect just the patellofemoral joint, the lateral part of the knee or in some cases the entire knee joint.
![knee-ostearthritis](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/knee-ostearthritis.jpg)
What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
The main symptom of knee arthritis is pain. Importantly, the pain tends to be worse at the beginning of the day, worse following exercise and can wake patients up at night. Stiffness is also a common symptom and can be worse following prolonged sitting. When knee arthritis becomes more severe than patients often describe a reduction in the range of movement of the knee, with an inability to fully straighten the knee being the commonest finding.
How is it diagnosed?
Knee osteoarthritis is diagnosed on the basis of X rays. Rarely, if there is some confusion regarding the diagnosis, an MRI may be needed, however, this is unusual.
What are my options for treatment?
In the first instance, physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee are very important. This can be helped with injections into the knee to control the pain in the short term. When these measures fail to help, bracing can be useful. There is some evidence for realignment surgery around the knee although this must be approached with caution as results can be unreliable. In those with established arthritis and symptoms not controlled by non-operative measures, then joint replacement is an excellent option. We always encourage partial joint replacement where possible, although total knee replacement is also an excellent option.
The vast majority of our patients go home on the same day following a partial knee replacement or the next day following total knee replacement.
Over 80% of knee replacements (whether partial or total) are still in place and functioning well at 20 years post operation.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
KNEE CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other knee conditions click the button below to find out more
KNEE TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other knee treatments click the button below to find out more
our KNEE SURGEONS
The Knee Service at Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners is led by Mr Luke Jones and Mr Chethan Jayadev, both Oxford PhD educated knee surgeons with London Teaching Hospital NHS consultant posts. They provide a comprehensive range of knee procedures as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including highly specialised physiotherapists, all committed to returning you to optimal function.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of knee problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the knee conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
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MR LUKE JONES
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grosvenor-Orthopaedic-Surgeons-HR-Unedited-Finals-5934-scaled.jpg)
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chethan.jpg)
MR CHETHAN JAYADEV
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grosvenor-Orthopaedic-Surgeons-HR-Unedited-Finals-6003-scaled.jpg)
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grosvenor-Orthopaedic-Surgeons-HR-Unedited-Finals-6407-scaled.jpg)
MR MARK WEBB
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Grosvenor-Orthopaedic-Surgeons-HR-Unedited-Finals-6020-scaled.jpg)
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Grosvernor-Orth-Surg-April-24-Finals-7916-scaled.jpg)
MR SIMON HISLOP
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
![](https://gop.health/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grosvernor-Orthopaedic-Surg-April-24-7932-scaled.jpg)
What some of our patients say
Miss NN
Thank you and please accept my gratitude for a successful knee surgery and overall a very positive experience. This gold medal is for you!