The clinical association between joint space narrowing and meniscectomy indicates an essential function of the meniscus for load transmission [19]. Axial forces loaded onto the meniscus during weight bearing are converted into tensile strain through the circumferential collagen fibers of the meniscus, expressed as its hoop function [18]. The attachment sites of the anterior and posterior meniscus roots are critical to this function, as they stabilize the meniscus to the tibia.
Successful effects of PRP were reported in terms of the decreased risk of failure for isolated meniscal repair over 3 years [100]. Further evidence with a longer follow-up should be sought in the future. When surgical treatment is necessary for meniscal tears, the first option should be meniscal repair to preserve the meniscus function [15].
Fairbank was the first to describe the radiological changes occurring after meniscectomy [19]. Overall, 13% had already undergone TKA at the time of follow-up, and those patients showed a 132-fold increase in the rate of TKA in comparison to their geographical and age-matched peers. Factors that were correlated with worse outcomes included degenerative meniscal tears and extensive resections. These studies indicated that meniscectomy leads to symptomatic OA later in life, even after a small resection of the meniscus.
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. But what exactly is the root cause of osteoarthritis in the knee?
Age and Wear and Tear
When a joint develops osteoarthritis, part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher (sometimes called wear and tear). The most common type of surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee is a knee replacement. Many knee replacements are performed each year, and the operation can give a lot of pain relief and improve movement in your knee. Being overweight increases the strain on your joints, especially your knees. It makes it more likely that you’ll develop osteoarthritis and that your arthritis will get worse over time.
His research team has found that meniscus root tear formation can brew in the background, escaping patients’ notice. According to the team’s findings, published in Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2020, extrusion of the meniscus occurs first. These meniscus changes can then concentrate forces on the meniscal root attachment to the bone, causing breakdown as the attachment begins to tear away. Current thinking on the sequence of extrusion and root tear has pivoted because of Dr. Krych and team’s research, moving from a belief that root tear causes extrusion to the converse.
Stiffness in the joints may be worse in the morning and after prolonged sitting. Other treatment options may include strength training and supplements. You may need to wear a brace, shoe insert, wrap, or knee support. You usually wouldn’t have any noticeable symptoms or detectable signs of OA during this stage.
Age is one of the primary risk factors for developing osteoarthritis in the knee. As we age, the cartilage in our joints begins to break down and wear away. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint. Additionally, years of wear and tear on the knee joint can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Genetics and Obesity
While age and wear and tear play significant roles in the development of osteoarthritis in the knee, genetics can also be a contributing factor. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, you may be more likely to develop the condition yourself. Furthermore, obesity can put added stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
In conclusion, the root cause of osteoarthritis in the knee is often a combination of factors including age, wear and tear, genetics, and obesity. By understanding these underlying causes, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis and manage the condition effectively if it does occur.
