Knee Arthritis

What is knee arthritis?

The knee joint involves three bones - the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap), and any of these articulations can be involved in an arthritic condition. The knee joint is not just a simple hinge joint, but instead involves a complex movement of bending and twisting to create a fluid range of motion.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition where the special smooth cartilage is worn down over time. This can lead to inflammation, muscle dysfunction (often manifesting as pain), stiffness, a reduced range of motion, and even clicking or grinding. Often, the severity of the symptoms can vary dramatically from one day to the next, morning or evening, even reacting to changes in weather.

How is knee arthritis diagnosed?

The exact cause is not known but can be associated with age, genetics, obesity and previous knee injury. The diagnosis is usually made following a detailed history, physical examination and imaging such as x-rays or MRI scan.

Occasionally arthritis can present itself as a meniscal tear (shock absorber tear) - which is due to the irregular wear pattern as the cartilage wears out, and this could be diagnosed on an MRI scan.

How is knee arthritis treated?

There are many treatments for knee arthritis, many of which are able to avoid surgery entirely. Unfortunately, when the special, smooth articular cartilage is worn away, we don't have any pill, exercise, or surgery that will allow it to regrow. However, most knee arthritis can be managed without surgery in its mild or moderate forms. As the pain levels may come and go during the stages of arthritis, it is important to consider your function, rather than pain as a good indication for considering intervention.

Conservative treatments include anti-inflammatories, muscle strengthening, lifestyle modification, or even minor interventions such as injections or pain relief procedures. Surgical options may include knee replacement which can be in the form of either a partial or total knee replacement.

Dr Eardley-Harris is trained in all forms of non-operative and operative treatments for knee arthritis and will work with you to tailor a plan with consideration of your knee, your goals and your function.

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Note: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek professional medical advice for you, and your child's specific condition.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

My Approach

Personalised Care

Your condition, goals and challenges are unique to you, and your management should reflect that. There is no one-size-fits-all method for treatment - your care is tailored to your situation.

Evidence-based, Modern Technology

With the latest technology including robotics and 3D personalised planning to support evidence-proven surgical techniques, you get accurate, precise results. If surgery is necessary, it’s customised to your situation.

Collaboration With Professionals

See the right team of elite health professionals, hand-selected to provide you with the best outcomes given your condition, rehabilitation & goals.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

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