Having Knee Pain. Done With X-ray. Knee Replacement Surgery Required?

Posted on Tue, 4 Jun 2013

Question: Attached is my mother's xray report. Pls suggest does shae really need to go for knee replacement surgery . She suffers pain in normal day to day routine.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There are no reports attached with the query.
The pain in the knees at her age is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritic changes are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Upon movement the stiffness gradually relieves. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.
The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin , dycerin, etc and some life style modifications and physiotherapy.
Knee replacement surgery is the last resort in case of severe stiffness and unbearable pain not relieved by the medicines. Sometimes there is deformity of the knee joint also. An X-ray will not help in the definitive diagnosis of the extent of degeneration of the knee joint.
I encourage you to consult an orthopedician for physical examination. A few blood tests and CT / MRI scans of the knee will help us diagnose the condition and help us in choosing the best approach of treatment. Only for a mild pain that can be relieved with rest and medicines, surgery is not recommended.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 hours later)

I am unable to attach X XXXXXXX reports due size constraints. Is there any other way I can send same to you. Also can you suggest some good doctor in gurgaon ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
If you cant upload the reports here then you can send them by e.mail at YYYY@YYYY with the subject ATTN: DR. XXXXXXX TAYAL.
To find a good Orthopedician nearest to your place, we have patient written reviews for doctors in our listing, those can guide you for a better doctor. You can search for an orthopedician in your area at
WWW.WWWW.WW .
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

X XXXXXXX reports forwarded.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (54 minutes later)

I have seen the reports attached.
This is suggestive of mild osteoarthritic changes in both the knee joints. Any knee replacement surgery is not immediately needed if she is getting adequate relief with the pain killers and conservative treatment.
Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar