Treatment
As inflammation occurs in the retropatellar joint, anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered for conservative therapy. Physiotherapy can also be prescribed to relieve pain. Aids such as taping or bandages can give the retropatellar joint stability during movement.
In addition to conservative treatment, an operation can be performed. There are different procedures, the selection of which is primarily directed at the cause of the retropatellar arthrosis. If there is a malposition of the patella, it is surgically repositioned by means of a joint osteotomy.
The cartilage surfaces of the retropatellar joint can be smoothed again by means of arthroscopy, since pieces of the damaged cartilage in the joint can additionally influence the pain situation. In addition, arthroscopy allows the joint to be viewed from the inside, thus providing information about the next procedure. A cartilage transplantation can also lead to an improvement in pain.
For example, the body’s own cartilage cells are removed from another joint and inserted into the damaged area. This allows the inserted tissue to grow into the surrounding cartilage and thus compensate for the defect. In severe cases, a knee prosthesis can be used as a last resort, in which only the patellar femoral joint can be replaced. Please also inform yourself about: Exercises for existing knee arthrosis
Bandages
By applying bandages, the knee can be protected from the outside and the knee is stabilized. Bandages are particularly indicated for physical work or sports activities. Especially in cases of malposition or instability of the kneecap on the thigh, the bandage can protect the kneecap from deviating. Alternatively you can also inform yourself about: Kinesiotape
When do I need an operation?
The degree of disability (GdB) can be determined by the pension office. Thus the handicaps from all ranges of the life are looked at. The term is listed and legally defined in the Social Security Code IX.The impairment of the person in all areas of life is evaluated using a point system.
The higher the value, the higher is the impairment of the person in this area. Since retropatellar arthrosis is one of the chronic diseases with pain symptoms, the person’s limitations are also to be expected in this area and can range from performing the job to mobility. In this case an application for recognition of the resulting impairment can be made.
All articles in this series:
