Arthritis is a condition which affects joints. The joints of the body have very smooth surfaces that allow easy, pain free movement. The smooth surface of the joints is composed of a layer of articular cartilage over the bone ends.
Arthritis occurs when the smooth articular cartilage is damaged and eventually worn away.
This results in pain and stiffness in the joint.
The most common cause of arthritis is hereditary (passed on in families), but there are many other causes for example, after earlier trauma (especially old knee injuries).
There are a range of treatments for arthritis. These include:
Usually arthritis can be treated with non operative treatment initially. If symptoms, especially pain, cannot be managed with other measures then surgery may be helpful. The surgery that is required will depend on the particular joint involved and various patient factors.
For more information go to Knee Arthritis or Hip Arthritis.
Normal Articular Surfaces
Grade 1 Articular Surface Change Tibia
Grade 2 Articular Surface Change Femur
Grade 3 Articular Surface Change Femur
Grade 3 Trochlea Ulcer
Grade 4 Articular Surface Change Femur
Grade 4 Change Femur and Tibia
End Stage Articular Cartilage Change
Knee Arthroscopy : Meniscal Resection : Meniscal Repair : ACL Reconstruction : Knee Replacement : Hip Replacement
If you are a patient of Dr George Parker and you have a question or a problem after surgery please click here to Contact us.
We also have detailed information for Knee Arthroscopy outlining after surgery care and exercises.
