Arthroplasty in early osteoarthrosis? - Evaluate transient osteoporosis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Osteoarthrosis is degenerative joint disease common in the hands, feet and the large weight bearing joints-knees, hips, ankles or spine. It is slowly progressive disease with the symptoms developing gradually during the years. Basic pathology process in osteoarthrosis is degeneration of the cartilage in a joint. It is typically caused when the cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to wear away, loses its structure, and releases enzymes which deconstruct it. This article reports a case of transient osteoporosis involving both tibial and femoral condyle in 40 patients, reviews the existing literature and discusses disease pathology. Methodology: This is a study of 40 patients with a 2-8 weeks history of knee pain and on the verge of planning an Arthroplasty were further investigated and differentiated as Transient osteoporosis. Results: All patients were managed with observation, protected weight bearing, and pain-control. Non--weight bearing status often is required during the initial 1 to 2 weeks of treatment to assist conservative management. Only few required arthroplasty at later time. Conclusion: Early differentiation of transient osteoporosis from early Osteoarthritis of knee will avoid unnecessary surgical intervention and ensure appropriate treatment.