When it comes to knee cartilage damage, there are several treatment options available, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Here are some common treatment options for knee cartilage problems:
Non-surgical Treatments
Physical Therapy
A physiotherapist can design a specific exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and alleviate symptoms. This may include range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and low-impact activities.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee cartilage damage. Beware of prolonged use of such medications as these can result in renal impairment and eventual kidney failure.
Assistive Devices
Using supportive devices like braces, sleeves, or orthotic shoe inserts can provide stability and reduce stress on the knee joint. Unloader knee brace is useful to offload the painful compartment of the knee joint when walking.
Injections
In some cases, injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which utilise a concentrated solution of the patient’s own blood platelets, can also be used to promote healing.
Surgical Treatments
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Arthroscopic Surgery: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera and surgical tools are inserted into the knee joint through small incisions. The surgeon can visualise and treat the damaged cartilage, including techniques such as debridement (removal of loose or damaged tissue), microfracture (creating small holes to stimulate new cartilage growth), or cartilage grafting (transplanting healthy cartilage from another area of the body or a donor).
Regenerative Medicine
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): ACI involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s own knee, which are then cultured and multiplied in a lab. The multiplied cells are then implanted back into the knee during a surgical procedure to promote cartilage repair.
Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy utilises the patient’s own stem cells or donor stem cells to help stimulate tissue regeneration and repair damaged cartilage. This treatment is still being researched and is not yet widely available. It is not available in Singapore unless in an experimental setting.
Total or Partial Knee Replacement
In cases of extensive cartilage damage or advanced osteoarthritis, where non-surgical options are not effective, total or partial knee replacement surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, the damaged portions of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic.
The appropriate treatment option will depend on factors such as the extent of cartilage damage, the patient’s age, overall health, and activity level.
It is important to consult with an orthopaedic specialist who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most suitable treatment approach for you. They will consider your individual circumstances and discuss the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of each treatment option to help you make an informed decision.
