The knee joint is formed by the lower end of the femur (thigh bone) and the upper end of the tibia (shin bone). The surfaces of the joint are covered by a smooth elastic tissue called cartilage. The cartilage allows the joint surfaces to glide smoothly and painlessly against each other. Damage to the cartilage and bone within the knee joint is called osteoarthritis. This can result from degeneration (wear and tear), trauma (fractures and ligament injuries), avascular necrosis (depletion of the blood supply to the bone) and inflammatory disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Patients who develop osteoarthritis of the knee joint can present with pain, stiffness, joint deformity and limping. This can sometimes be severe enough to affect daily mobility and one’s quality of life. The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is made after a thorough clinical assessment of the knee joint. X-rays and MRI scans are done to confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally additional blood tests may be done to find out the underlying cause of the osteoarthritis.
Patients with early osteoarthritis and mild symptoms may be treated non-surgically with a course of rehabilitation. However, patients with severe symptoms and advanced osteoarthritis may be candidates for surgical treatment, in the form of knee replacement surgery.
Driven by compassion, decades of experience in orthopaedic care, and modern technology, we strive to provide patient-centric care by alleviating pain, restoring mobility, and improving the quality of life for all our patients. At Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Partners, where compassion meets experience, you can trust in us.
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6A Napier Road #03-37
Gleneagles Annexe Block
Singapore 258500
Monday to Friday: 0900 - 1730hrs
Saturday: 0900 - 1230hrs
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
820 Thomson Road #06-08
Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
Monday to Friday: 0900 - 1730hrs
Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays