Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Knee Arthritis): "Degenerative Joint Disease" can cause pain, stiffness, and cartilage breakdown.

Edited By: Seth S. Leopold, M.D.
Last updated Monday, January 14, 2008

Conclusion

What are the five most important facts about knee arthritis?

1. Osteoarthritis of the knee is common and can result in severe pain and disability; as a result of this condition, several hundred thousand people each year in the U.S. undergo total knee replacement.
   
2. Mostpeople with osteoarthritis of the knee can be managed without surgery.
3. The cause of osteoarthritis of the knee is not known, but some risk factors include obesity, severe knee trauma, and genetics.
   
4. There are many other kinds of arthritis that can affect the knee; it is important to make sure that the correct diagnosis is made, as some of these other conditions are treated very differently.
   
5. Thediagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee is usually very straightforward, and is made in almost all cases by a physician taking a thorough history, performing a physical examination, and getting x-rays with the patient standing up.

Surgery for Knee Arthritis at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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