Patient Education: Arthritis of the Knee Treatment Algorithm

Alternative Treatment Options

1. History
2. Exam
3. Proper Plain Film X-ryas (Flexion Weight Bearing Films)
4. MRI (may or may not be needed)

Treatment Options

1. Nonsteroidial Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
2. Diet Supplements (Glucosamine/Chondroitan Sulfate)
3. Physical Therapy (Aquatic)
4. Cortisone Injections (Temporary Relief)
5. Viscosupplement Series (Not candidate if bone on bone)
6. Bracing or Shoe Wedges
7. Weight Loss (As little as ten pounds may help)

1. Arthroscopy (if arthritis less than 50% good results and only for a short time)
2. Osteotomy (for patients in their thirties with angular deformities)
3. Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (isolated disease, very young or very old)
4. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)