Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

(DJD) is a progressive deterioration of the cartilage covering the bones that make up the knee joint (femur, tibia, patella).

Symptoms
Symptoms can present gradually or as a result of a traumatic injury. Pain, loss of knee motion or function, progressive deformity (knock-kneed or bowlegged), or even instability can be the presenting symptoms.

Treatment
Treatment is initially conservative and can include medications (tylenol, antiinflammatory medicines, glucosamine/chondroitin), injections (Synvisc, steroids), rest, assistive devices (cane, walker, crutches), physical or water therapy, weight loss, bracing (limit deformity or instability), and other alternative treatments (acupuncture, herbal supplements, electrical stimulations, etc)

Total knee replacement
Total knee replacement is reserved for patients with severe pain that is not improved by conservative treatment. Goal is improvement of pain, improvement of function, and improvement of quality of life.