In the early stages, knee osteoarthritis is often managed successfully without surgery. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow progression of the disease.

• Weight Management Reducing excess body weight helps relieve stress on the knee joint. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a significant difference in reducing pain and slowing joint damage.

• Physiotherapy Strengthening the muscles around the knee—particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings—helps to stabilise the joint and improve function. A tailored physiotherapy programme is often a key part of long-term management.

• Medications Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce inflammation and manage pain. They may be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the severity of symptoms.

• Joint Injections In some cases, injections can offer additional relief:
  Corticosteroids Provide short-term pain relief, particularly during flare-ups. However, repeated use may weaken cartilage over time.

Hyaluronic Acid acts as a lubricant within the joint, helping to ease movement and reduce discomfort.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Uses components of the patient’s own blood to promote healing and reduce inflammation. This is an emerging treatment with encouraging early results.

• Bracing and Assistive Devices Supportive devices such as unloader braces can shift weight away from the affected area of the knee, offering relief in cases of compartmental osteoarthritis. Walking aids may also help reduce pressure on the joint during daily activities.

When non-operative treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, surgery may be considered. The two main options are partial knee replacement and total knee replacement, with advanced techniques like robotic-assisted and patient-specific implants increasingly available.

This procedure is suitable for patients with osteoarthritis limited to one part of the knee. Benefits include:

• Smaller incisions and less invasive surgery
• Faster recovery and a more natural knee feel
• Lower risk of complications compared to full replacement

However, this option is not suitable for all patients, and some may require further surgery in the future if arthritis spreads to other parts of the knee.

This procedure is recommended for more widespread arthritis involving multiple areas of the knee. It offers:

• Long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility
• High success rates with implants lasting 15–20 years in most cases

Recovery can take several months, and risks include stiffness, infection, or blood clots, although these complications are relatively rare.

Using pre-operative imaging (CT or MRI), a custom implant is created to match the patient’s anatomy. This approach can:

• Improve implant fit and joint alignment
• Reduce surgical trauma
• Potentially lead to faster recovery

Long-term outcomes are still being studied, but early data is promising.

This cutting-edge approach uses robotic systems to guide the surgeon in placing the implant with extreme precision. Benefits may include:

• Greater accuracy and alignment
• Less soft tissue damage
• Quicker recovery and less post-operative pain

Though robotic surgery may involve higher costs, it may improve long-term function and implant durability.