Knee surgery is based on two main areas: arthroscopy and prosthesis. Between the two we find very important techniques, such as those related to osteotomies and treatment of patellar disorders. The novelties have been based, fundamentally, on improvements in surgical techniques, design and quality of materials and biological research.
Knee prostheses
Prostheses are becoming better and more durable, although the most important factor in obtaining a good result is the technical correctness of the implantation. Improvements in design and new materials have allowed considerable progress in this field: today we have a wide variety of implants. Mini-prostheses stand out, used to replace small parts of the joint as well as larger ones. The latter are used in the replacement of other prostheses that have failed due to wear, loosening, rejection, etc.
It is highly recommended that arthroplasty surgery be performed by expert surgeons, especially if it is a replacement surgery, since they require more technical sophistication and more complex implants.
In patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, surgery is not the only solution. Conservative treatment, which is based on physiotherapy, an adequate body mass index and symptomatic and chondroprotective mediation, is always the first option. Growth factors are also resorted to before surgery, which is giving very good results.
Growth factors.
Growth factors are proteins that we all have in our blood and in some organs and tissues. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is obtained from the patient’s blood and has a high content of these growth factors. Its effects are regenerative, since they improve the local imbalances that coexist in the conflictive areas. On the other hand, we also use growth factors in the form of infiltration in degenerative pathologies such as osteoarthritis of the knees or hips, tendinitis and even in muscle and tendon ruptures. Its main advantage is that it often allows to avoid or delay surgery.
This treatment is recommended for all those affected by degenerative problems, such as osteoarthritis, that do not improve with conventional conservative treatments and that do not have a clear surgical indication.