Dr. Çağatay ULUÇAY
Knee Calcification (Gonarthrosis)
Osteoarthritis (calcification) is the wear and tear of weight-bearing joints due to aging. Calcification starts from the cartilage and affects the bone under the cartilage, the joint capsule and the ligaments around the joint.
In fact, there is thinning and hardening of the muscles that cannot be used due to pain. The knee is one of the joints in the body that bears the most weight and is therefore most affected by arthritis. There are articular surfaces of three bones in the knee joint. Femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap bone). The tibia articulates with the femur, and the femur articulates with the patella. There are internal and external joints between the tibia and femur.
Treatment of Gonarthrosis
Calcification mostly starts from the inner joints and affects other joints. However, usually all three joints in the knee are affected together.
There are two ligaments inside the knee joints (anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments). Additionally, there are strong ligaments on the inside and outside of the joint. There are two menisci to ensure the harmony of the joint surfaces.
Gonarthrosis occurs in middle and older ages. It is more common in women over the age of 50. The disease can also be seen at earlier ages. Patients are generally overweight. Previous joint operations, traumas, sports injuries, inflammatory rheumatism, and some congenital disorders are the most important causes.
In cases of knee arthritis, it should first be investigated whether there is a previous knee trauma and the person's sports activities and profession should be questioned. Sometimes, knee and joint problems experienced in childhood may also be the cause of knee arthritis.
It is treated with intra-articular injections, arthroscopy, PRP, PRGF, stem cells, bone surgeries and total knee prosthesis according to age and functional expectations.
