Although most people with osteoarthritis do not need joint surgery, this may be an option if you have tried other treatments, including medicines, that have not worked and you are still in a great deal of pain.
For people who are severely disabled by osteoarthritis, joint surgery can be very successful although, like any operation, it carries some risks. Your consultant will be able to advise whether joint surgery is the right option for you and talk to you about the risks involved.
If you have a history of your knee joint ‘locking’ your doctor may advise you to have a procedure where your knee joint is washed out (this is sometimes called lavage and debridement).
The London Knee Unit offers advice and treatment for conditions that affect all parts of the knee. If you would like to find out more about the treatments we provide for orthopaedic conditions please visit our other musculoskeletal sites:
Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle injuries Nerve injuries Shoulder injuries