Therapy

The treatment of retropatellar arthrosis consists of several columns. Drug therapy with symptoms is usually carried out with the substance group NSAR (“non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs”). The NSAR is effective against pain (analgesic), as well as against inflammation (antiphlogistic) and temperature increase (antipyretic).

Thus, a pain and inflammation inhibiting therapy can usually lead to a relief of symptoms by purely medicinal means. A cortisone injection into the joint can be another drug measure. Other substances that can be injected are hyaluronic acid or glycosamine glycan, which is an important component of the joint fluid.

Although the cartilage damage is not reversible, the degradation process can stagnate. As an alternative to drug therapy, wearing a knee brace is often helpful. If these conservative therapy approaches are unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary, depending on the stage and degree of the symptoms.

Before each operation, a joint endoscopy (arthroscopy) is performed to assess the wear and tear and the current condition. At this point, an intervention can already be performed and cartilage growth can be promoted in the course of a so-called abrasion chondroplasty. The procedure involves scraping the surface of the cartilage so that it is smooth afterwards.

This stimulates the cartilage to form new cartilage. Retropatellar arthrosis can also be so advanced that the use of a prosthesis is indicated. The inserted implant should lead to freedom from pain and prevent the progression of the retropatellar arthrosis.

Depending on the degree of wear, one can choose between different “partial dentures“. On the one hand, only the area of the thigh bone, i.e. the femur, can be fitted with an implant. On the other hand, both articulating components of the femoropatellar joint, i.e. the back of the patella and the femur, can be replaced by an implant.

The decision is made individually in each case. Wearing a knee brace can be useful both as prophylaxis and rehabilitation. The function of a bandage is very diverse.

In the field of retropatella arthrosis, aspects such as the massage function, pain and irritation reduction, promotion of the healing process, relief and stability are relevant. A massage function is provided by the integrated pressure pad, a so-called elastic pad. The pad also fulfills the function of holding the patella in position when the bandage is worn so that it cannot slip.

A reduction in pain and irritation can be achieved through the relief and massage function. Today’s bandages are very elastic despite the fact that they retain their supporting function and do not restrict mobility when worn. As a rule, they are breathable materials with corresponding processing of the edges, so that the bandage is not perceived as unpleasant during sports activities and does not leave pressure points.Since bandages are generally considered to be orthopedic aids, patients can usually be reimbursed by both private and statutory health insurance companies.