Tricompartmental arthritis affects all three compartments of the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and instability. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and surgery, with a complete knee replacement being a common solution. Diagnosis requires physical examination and medical imaging, and continuous monitoring is necessary to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Surgery may be recommended if other options are no longer viable, and a complete knee replacement can restore mobility and comfort after recovery.
Tricompartmental arthritis involves all three anatomical compartments of the knee joint. It can cause significant joint pain and stiffness, as well as instability; it tends to be more common in the elderly because it represents advanced disease progression. Treatment options may include conservative measures such as medications and physical therapy, along with surgery. A complete knee replacement may be required to adequately address the condition and restore the patient’s mobility.
Known as the patellofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and medial tibiofemoral joints, the compartments are where different aspects of the knee joint meet. These include the femur, the long bone of the thigh; together with the tibia, the long bone in the lower leg; and the patella, the patella. Knee arthritis typically begins in one compartment and can, over time, spread to others, eventually causing tricompartmental arthritis. Knee inflammation can damage the bone, strain the knee ligaments, and cause chronic pain that can get worse in cold, wet, or during exercise.
Diagnosing the condition requires a careful physical examination of the knee and medical imaging studies. In the images it is possible to determine which parts of the joint have degenerated and to evaluate the extent of the damage. This information can be important for a treatment plan. If the patient’s knee is clearly badly damaged, it may be advisable to proceed with surgery to address the problem, rather than trying conservative treatment. Low-level inflammation may be treatable with medications, gentle stretching, and other conservative measures.
Continuous monitoring can determine whether the patient’s tricompartmental arthritis is responding to treatment. Some cases may be manageable with conservative measures, while others may get progressively worse. In these cases, surgery may be recommended, unless there are significant contraindications. Seniors with limited mobility due to other issues, for example, may not be good candidates for surgery.
Surgically, one of the best options for tricompartmental arthritis may be a complete knee replacement. Medical professionals typically only recommend surgery when other options are no longer viable because the joint is too degenerate and replacing it may be the most efficient option. In a replacement, a surgeon can enter the joint, cut through the damaged bone, and implant an artificial knee. The patient will need some time to recover, including in physical therapy sessions to rebuild strength and flexibility around the joint, but should enjoy greater mobility and comfort after the knee has fully healed.
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