Arthrosis is a disease (wear and tear process) of a joint. In the case of a clear inflammation, the diagnosis is more likely to be arthritis. Wear and tear causes a steady loss of the cartilage and of the normal proportion and shape of the knee. This results in an ever-increasing pain when moving or leaning. At a later stage, even a position of rest causes pain. The deformations are clearly visible in X-rays.
The cure
In the case of knee arthrosis, your orthopaedic surgeon will suggest a treatment. At first this may be a Hyaluron acid infiltration. Special exercises and/or medication are also an option. In cases of advanced knee arthrosis, the pain and/or the deformations may have become so serious that the patient becomes an invalid. After careful consideration between the patient and his family doctor, a knee prosthesis may be a solution. This joint replacement mainly consists of a metal part for the thigh bone (femur), a metal part for the shinbone (tibia) and a High-Tec plastic piece that is placed between the metal pieces. In some cases the knee cap (patella) requires replacement with a plastic prosthesis. A radiological examination after the surgery will only reveal the metal pieces.
