Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture). Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings). Muscle atrophies (side … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Examination

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Uric acid Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Examination of the joint punctate Rheumatoid factor (RF) ANA … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Test and Diagnosis

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Drug Therapy

Therapy goals Pain relief Improvement of mobility Improvement of walking performance Improving the quality of life Delay the progression of osteoarthritis Therapy recommendations Depending on the severity of the disease and individual problems, the following medications can be used: Analgesics (painkillers) Non-acid analgesics Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; non steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs). Selective COX-2 … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Drug Therapy

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Radiographs of the affected joint [radiographic signs of arthritic joint remodeling: osteophytes (gonarthrosis: initially at the eminentia intercondylica), narrowed joint space, increased subchondral sclerosis and deformity; see below Kellgren and Lawrence score]. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Diagnostic Tests

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Cardiovascular System (I00-I99). Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVD) – progressive narrowing or occlusion of the arteries supplying the arms/ (more commonly) legs, usually due to atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries). Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Arthritis (inflammation of the joint); possibly also septic arthritis: knee joint is the most common site of localization; … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) as well: Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) Movement restriction Joint malpositions Contractures – permanent shortening of the muscles with resulting joint constraint. Ankle arthritis, ipsilateral (on the same side) in 31% of … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Complications

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Cartilage-Protective Agents (Chondroprotectants)

Chondroprotectants inhibit cartilage-degrading substances and thus reduce further loss of protective cartilage. At the same time, they promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.Furthermore, they are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, there is a reduction in pain, swelling and improved joint mobility. The greatest success is achieved by injecting chondroprotectants directly into … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Cartilage-Protective Agents (Chondroprotectants)

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Surgical Therapy

If the patient’s pain can only be controlled by continuously taking analgesics (painkillers) or if the patient’s lifestyle is severely impaired, then there is an indication for surgical therapy. There are numerous surgical options to alleviate the discomfort and consequences of gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) and thus significantly improve the quality of life. Symptomatic surgical methods … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Surgical Therapy

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Phytotherapeutics

Herbal antirheumatic drugs Herbal preparations can be used for supportive, analgesic (pain-relieving) therapy. Application is mainly: Nettle herb – analgesic and antirheumatic effects; dosage: 50-100 g of nettle porridge per day. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – e.g. borage oil, evening primrose oil; gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effects via prostaglandin … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Phytotherapeutics

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Prevention

To prevent gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Alcohol – ≥ 20 glasses of beer/week lead to a significant increase in coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) and gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis); individuals who drank 4 to 6 glasses of wine per week had a lower risk … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Prevention

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis): Leading symptoms Start-up pain or run-in pain [typical of gonarthrosis is: no discomfort at rest]. Increasing knee joint pain (gonalgia). Associated symptoms Pain on exertion Continuous pain (constant and night pain) Effusion formation* Increased sensitivity to wetness and/or cold of the joints. Joint swelling* Joint … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) Age-related wear and tear is not the cause of gonarthrosis; rather, acute damage to the articular cartilage from trauma or infection is usually at the beginning of joint destruction. Insufficient matrix synthesis and/or increased cell death of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are discussed as pathogenetic mechanisms.The following pathomechanisms can be observed in gonarthrosis: … Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis): Causes