Medial gonarthrosis is a degenerative joint disease of the knee joint that affects the medial (inner) side of the joint. This condition is the most common cause of knee pain and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected.
Below you can find out more about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment options. You will also find selected specialists for the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee.
To better understand medial knee osteoarthritis, it is important to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the knee joint. The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body and consists of three main bones:
It is a complex hinge joint that enables movements such as flexion and extension.
The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule filled with a protective synovial fluid. The articular surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage, which serves as a shock absorber and lubricant. Ligaments, ligaments and muscles stabilize the knee joint and allow it to move freely.
Anatomy of the knee joint @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
Medial osteoarthritis of the knee (also known as medial knee osteoarthritis) is a degenerative disease of the knee joint. The cartilage on the inner side of the joint breaks down.
This cartilage degradation leads to
The disease usually develops over a longer period of time and often affects older people. However, it can also occur in younger people. Especially after injuries or due to genetic predispositions.
The exact causes of medial gonarthrosis are complex and cannot always be determined. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease.
These include
Age: The risk of gonarthrosis increases with age. The natural wear and tear of cartilage over time increases the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
Genetic predisposition: A familial predisposition can play a role in the development of osteoarthritis of the knee. If close relatives suffer from osteoarthritis, the risk tends to be higher for the person affected.
Overweight: Being overweight or obese increases the strain on the knee joint and can break down the cartilage more quickly. This can significantly increase the risk of medial osteoarthritis of the knee.
Malalignments: Congenital or acquired misalignments of the leg axis are among the most common main causes of gonarthrosis. A bow-legged position (varus leg axis) leads to overloading of the inner parts of the joint and, at an advanced stage, to medial gonarthrosis. In this case, there is little or no strain on the outer parts of the joint.
Injuries: Traumatic injuries to the knee(meniscus tears, cruciate ligament injuries) can increase the risk of gonarthrosis. Especially if no appropriate treatment is given. Medial gonarthrosis occurs in particular after injuries to the medial meniscus.
Overloading: Excessive and repetitive strain on the knee joint during certain sports can wear down the cartilage more quickly and contribute to osteoarthritis of the knee.
A bowleg is a misalignment of the leg axis that creates a gap between the knee joints @ gballgiggs /AdobeStockMedial gonarthrosis can cause a variety of symptoms that can vary from patient to patient. The most common include:
Pain: Pain is one of the main features of medial gonarthrosis. The pain occurs on the inner side of the knee and can get worse. It is often dull and aching, especially after prolonged strain or movement.
Stiffness: Patients with medial gonarthrosis often complain of stiffness in the knee joint in the morning. This stiffness can make it difficult to move the knee and bend or straighten it.
Swelling: Inflammation in the knee joint can lead to swelling. This can make the affected knee appear warm and swollen.
Restricted movement: Restricted movement of the knee joint is a common symptom. Affected individuals have difficulty fully bending or extending the knee.
Grinding or rubbing: A "grinding" or "grating" sensation may occur when the damaged joint surfaces move in the knee joint.
The diagnosis of medial knee osteoarthritis is usually made through a combination of clinical examination, imaging and laboratory tests.
An experienced doctor will take the following steps:
Medical history: the doctor will take a detailed medical history to gather information about previous injuries, family history and other relevant factors.
Physical examination: The doctor then performs a thorough physical examination of the knee. He pays particular attention to misalignments, instabilities and signs of cartilage damage.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI takes detailed images of the knee joint and shows the condition of the cartilage, ligaments and other structures. For example, assessment of the anterior cruciate ligament can be crucial in medial gonarthrosis.
Laboratory tests: Although there are no specific blood tests to diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee, laboratory tests can rule out other causes such as inflammation.
The aims of the treatment are
The choice of treatment depends on various factors:
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility. This can reduce the strain on the affected joint.
Pain medication: Painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are suitable for pain relief. In some cases, corticosteroids are also injected into the knee joint to reduce inflammation.
Weight reduction: If obesity is a contributing factor to osteoarthritis of the knee, weight reduction is recommended to reduce the strain.
Hyaluronic acid injections: Help to replace joint fluid, maintain the cartilage structure and improve the joint's ability to glide.
Arthroscopic debridement: In this procedure, doctors remove loose cartilage and bone to relieve pain. This procedure is not recommended for advanced osteoarthritis.
Osteotomy: An osteotomy involves reshaping the femur or tibia in order to redistribute the load on the knee joint. An osteotomy is performed for bow-leg malalignments, which makes it possible to relieve pressure on the inside of the knee joint. This procedure is suitable for young patients with mild degenerative damage.
Exercises: Regular exercise and targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles help to improve symptoms and maintain joint function.
The prognosis of osteoarthritis of the knee depends on various factors such as the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate treatment can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
Prevention of medial osteoarthritis of the knee includes measures such as
Genetic predisposition cannot be influenced, but a healthy lifestyle and early medical care minimize the risk.
Medial gonarthrosis is a common disease of the knee joint that causes pain and impaired joint function.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected.
The choice of treatment depends on many factors and should be made in close collaboration with a qualified physician. Preventive measures such as weight control and a healthy lifestyle are also important to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.
For surgical treatment, you should consult a specialist in partial knee joint replacement. Sled prostheses are used less frequently and are more difficult to perform.
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