Degeneration of joint or muscle tissue, an accident or a sports injury can all cause severe damage to the knee. For those who proceed with a knee replacement, it is usually due in part to a lack of proper or timely treatment or to continued involvement in damaging activities. For most patients, a knee replacement is considered a last resort. Knee replacements are not driven by age, although most knee replacement patients are more mature in age. Working closely with an orthopaedic surgeon can provide additional insight on alternatives to a knee replacement, although some form of surgery may still be necessary even if a full replacement is ruled out.
Step 1
Opt for specialized knee braces. Specialized knee braces are designed to transfer weight from a vulnerable part of the knee where cartilage is damaged to a stronger part of the knee that can help to absorb the weight, according to the Joint Replacement Institute. Specialized knee braces are helpful in preventing additional damage to the knee. Braces are custom built to fit individual patients.
Step 2
Assess the possibility of cartilage transplantation. According to the Joint Replacement Institute, cartilage transplantation is not an option for all causes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cartilage transplantation is a procedure that has the same goal as specialized knee braces in that it rebalances weight, preventing overuse of damaged areas of the knee. Cartilage is transferred from a non-weight bearing part of the knee to a weight-bearing part of the knee.
Step 3
Talk to an orthopaedic surgeon about a knee osteotomy. A knee replacement refers to a total procedure where the knee is replaced with a mechanism that mimics the functionality of knee joints and connective tissue. A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that is recommended when arthritis damage occurs in one area of the knee. A knee osteotomy is performed by adding or removing a wedge of bone to shift the weight from the damaged part of the knee. According to the Mayo Clinic, knee osteotomies are performed more commonly in younger patients. It should also be noted that many patients who receive a knee osteotomy may still need a knee replacement in 10 to 15 years.
