Postraumatic Arthrosis

Postraumatic Arthrosis is a premature form of DJD which results from a severe trauma. Typically, results from a fracture into the joint surface of the knee which causes accelerated damage to the cartilage surface of the knee joints.

Symptoms
Symptoms presenting signs and symptoms are similar to DJD of the knee including pain, swelling, loss of motion or function, instability, deformity but occur in a much younger age population.

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)

Surgery
Surgery is aimed at relieving the pain, and can include arthroscopy of the knee to remove mechanical irritation to the knee (cartilage tear, loose body, etc.), or cartilage transplant if the area of damage is very localized (CARTICEL). Results of these procedures can sometimes be less predictable given the amount of arthritis.

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