KNEE ARTHRITIS IN ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS - MATCHING TREATMENT TO THE DIAGNOSIS

Even among the active middle-brief aged population, knee arthritis is a common condition that can greatly decrease quality of life. The 45 d egrees flexion weight-bearing radiograph, a crucial diagnostic step, c an show joint space loss. Each patient must be treated individually, b ut conservative treatment with medication, activity modification, exer cise, physical therapy, braces, and joint injections may be effective for long periods. Operative modalities include joint arthroscopy and r econstructive procedures such as osteotomy and joint arthroplasty. In injured knees, meniscus and cartilage transplants may prevent the deve lopment or progression of osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty shou ld be considered in active patients only when all other options have b een exhausted.