Knee osteonecrosis means the death of bone cells and is also called avascular necrosis. It is especially common in older osteoporotic women. It is one of the important causes of knee pain. In this disease, loss of density in the bones around the knee joint and death in the bone mass occur.
Anatomy and Causes
The most common is the inner and thigh of the knee joint. It affects the bone part. (Femoral medial condyle). It may affect the outer part of the thigh (lateral femoral condyle) or the upper parts of the shin bone (Tibia plateau), respectively.
Knee Osteonecrosis 1The exact cause is known. But there are some theories and risk factors. Stress fractures and repetitive trauma can reduce blood flow in the bone area, leading to osteonecrosis. Some diseases pose a risk;
- Obesity
- Sick cell anemia
- Lupus
- Steroid use (significant risk especially in young patients factor)
If not diagnosed and treated early, it will result in serious calcification.
Clinical Complaints
- Sudden and severe pain coming from inside the knee
- Can occur with simple activity or trauma
- Pain that increases at night and with activity
- Pain coming from inside the knee and radiating towards it
- Decrease in knee movements
- Diagnosis and Imaging
- Diagnosis is made with MRI in the early stages and X-rays in the later stages. It is clinically divided into four stages.
Osteonecrosis clinical staging or grading;
Stage 1: It is the initial stage and the complaints are mild. Complaints last for an average of 6-8 weeks.
Stage 2: It lasts for months and defective areas appear on the x-ray.
Stage 3: There are complaints that last for about 3-6 months. The joint cartilage has begun to deteriorate. Stage 4: There is serious calcification. Cartilage and bone have collapsed. Knee replacement surgery is necessary.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- It is planned at the early stage. Options;
- Medication to reduce pain
- Orthosis and cane should be used to rest the knee
- Exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee
- To reduce pain life modification for
- Bleeding a OZONE THERAPY
Surgical Treatment
- Various surgical options are available in patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments;
- Arthroscopic joint debridement- washing-
- Resurrection-opening channels to increase blood supply-
- Corrective bone cuts to shift the weight-bearing area -Osteotomies-
- Joint prosthesis in advanced cases
You and your doctor will decide on the treatment option depending on the condition of your knee. Treatment and follow-up of such patients is long and perfect treatment methods are under investigation. Successful results are obtained from the currently applied ozone therapy.
Read: 0
