14 alternatives to knee replacement surgery in 2021 (2023)

1. Gold Injections - We Bet You Didn't Know About It!

This new gold microbead injection is a drug delivery system developed by US and Danish scientists. After many animal and human studies, it was launched in 2017. APilot studyalso shows the success of this therapy.

• How does the new gold syringe treat osteoarthritis pain?

Summary of new gold injections for osteoarthritis!

The new approach brings with it a number of advantages and disadvantages. Despite the disadvantages, you will find that the results are quite reliable. Check out this list to learn the benefits, risks, and expected results of the latest treatment option:

Advantages:

• Non-Invasive - No scarring, less pain
• No blood transfusion – Low risk of infection
• Not immunosuppressive - no risk of infection
• Pure Gold - Non-toxic, unlike other gold injections
• One session (less than 30 min) - time saving
• Unique – Saves costs and time
• Fast Acting - Fast Recovery
• Low Cost - Save money

Risks:

• Not yet approved by the FDA
• Long-term results not available
• Long-distance travel to Mexico

Results:

• Reduced friction between bones during movement
• Relieves knee pain
• Reduce inflammation and swelling
• Provide long-term relief
• Improves joint mobility

2. Stem Cell Therapy

Research shows that stem cell therapy improves cartilage quality. In addition, it provides pain relief and a better quality of life.^[2]NCBI Bone marrow derived stem cells in knee osteoarthritis "Reduced pain, minimized morbidity at the donor site, improved quality of life..." View in articleBut this treatment is not yet part of the medical standard. There is no standardization regarding the source and dose of stem cells.

Therefore, researchers recommend an in-depth study to derive the optimal dose. They also recommend standardizing the methodology.^[3]NCBI Stem cell treatment for the knee "Future research directions should include work to elucidate the optimal cell concentration and dosage, and to standardize the methodology." View in article

3. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Platelets are rich in growth factors and therefore help in the treatment of the knee. PRP therapy consists of three steps:

Step 1: Draw blood from the patient

Step 2: Extract platelets from whole blood

Step 3: Injection into the knee joint

Research suggests that PRP injections may reduce knee pain and inflammation.^[4]Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research Platelet-rich plasma therapy for knee osteoarthritis "Pain symptoms and severity of clinical osteoarthritis symptoms decreased." View in articleExisting guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also report no major safety concerns.^[5]PRETTY Guide to Interventional Procedures "Current findings on injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis do not raise any major safety concerns." View in article

But evidence of its effectiveness is insufficient and requires more research. It also lacks standardization in itspreparation and administration.

4. Prolotherapie

In prolotherapy, the doctor injects glucose solution into the affected area. This solution stimulates the healing step by increasing blood flow to that area.

Research shows that prolotherapy reduces pain and stiffness. In addition, you can see a constant and significant improvement in joint function.^[6]Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research Platelet-rich plasma therapy for knee osteoarthritis “WOMAC pain -5.41, 0.61, <0.001; WOMAC Stiffness -1.76, 0.31, < 0.001” View in article

Although this procedure is safe, it requires more research. As such, the 2019 Arthritis Foundation guidelines do not recommend its use.^[7]Arthritis Foundation Prolotherapie bei Osteoarthritis „"I would not recommend prolotherapy because I believe the jury is still out on its effectiveness," says Julius Oni, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.„ View in articleYou should follow your doctor's advice to see if this can help you.

5. Hyaluronic acid (HLA) injections.

HLA injections can help with:

• Lubricate the knee joint
• improve shock absorption
• reduce pain
• Improve joint mobility

Although the results look promising, they could use more research. There is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. As such, the Arthritis Foundation guidelines do not currently recommendtheir use.^[8]Rheumatology consultant 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guidelines “Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections are strongly recommended in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The evidence on the lack of benefit of hyaluronic acid injections in hip OA is of higher quality.” View in article

6. Medication

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. But its prolonged consumption can cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding.^[9]NCBI medication for osteoarthritis "All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the potential to cause side effects...including gastrointestinal (COX-1) ulceration and bleeding, high blood pressure and kidney damage." View in articleAnother option may be over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

7. Steroidspritzen

Corticosteroid administration can reduce knee pain and inflammation. The pain relief lasts for several weeks. The Arthritis Foundation 2019Guidelines recommend their use.^[10]Rheumatology consultant 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guidelines "Topical NSAIDs are conditionally recommended for patients with osteoarthritis of the hand." View in article

8. Therapeutic option - acupuncture

Acupuncture uses thin, sharp needles to alter the flow of energy in the body. It relieves joint pain and has low risk. However, research suggests that comfort lasts only in the short term.

In addition, it can improve short- and long-term physical function.^[11]PubMed The effects of acupuncture on chronic knee pain “The acupuncture groups demonstrated superior pain improvement and physical function in the short term (up to 13 weeks). The acupuncture groups demonstrated superior physical function over the long term (up to 26 weeks), but not superior pain relief.” View in articleHence the 2019 arthritisFoundation policies support its use.^[12]Rheumatology consultant 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guidelines "Acupuncture is conditionally recommended for patients with knee, hip, and/or hand OA." View in article

9. Physiotherapy–Yoga and other exercises

Physiotherapy aims to relieve pain and strengthen the knee muscles. A physical therapist will guide you to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly.

The therapeutic approach may include

• Ice and heat application
• Neuromuscular Training
• strengthening exercises
• stretching

You should avoid twisting and running as this can worsen the knee injury. Reduce activities like climbing stairsor squats can also help. Check out this 15 minute yoga routine for your knees. It avoids the struggle you may face when doing squats, lunges, and bends!

Knee-friendly yoga from MSUNN Yoga & Wellness

10. Aids

Aids are walking sticks and orthoses. These devices perform the following functions:

• Strengthening of the knee muscles
• improve mobility
• Better stability and support
• Helps prevent knee pain and inflammationbecome worse.

11. Alte Medizin (Ayurveda)

Allopathy can have side effects, but Ayurveda does not. Ayurveda begins to reduce arthritic symptoms after three months. In addition, it can help prevent the disease from progressing naturally. Therefore, it's a slow but sure treatment option that might work for you.

The Ayurveda treatment includes the combination of massage, meditation, exercise and a nutritional diet. However, it is an individual treatment according to the patient's condition.

Ayurveda naturally revitalizes damaged cartilage and prevents further deterioration of the knee joint. A PubMed research article shows that Ayurveda significantly reduces knee pain and improves the kneeFunction.^[13]PubMed Ayurvedic medicine...knee osteoarthritis "Ayurvedic formulations (particularly SGCG) significantly reduced knee pain and improved knee function." View in article

12. Surgical alternative: osteotomy

During the osteotomy, the affected part of the knee is relieved. Therefore, this shift in weight helps in relieving symptoms. This procedure helps when there is less damage on only one side of the knee. However, it tends to work in younger people.

13. Surgical alternative: arthroscopy

Arthroscopy can repair a torn meniscus, ligaments, bone, or cartilage in the knee. It involves using a camera inserted through small incisions. Still, this technique may not help all types of knee problems. It is possible to go home a few hours after the procedure.

Recovery is comparatively quick. Both procedures can delay or end the needKnee replacement surgery.

14. Weight loss strategy

Obesity can put undue stress on the knee joint. Studies show that every 10 pounds you gain increases your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 36%.^[14]NCBI High weight loss in older adults with knee osteoarthritis "These results suggest that a 10% weight loss in an overweight and obese population with osteoarthritis elicits positive changes in the mechanical pathway to knee osteoarthritis..." View in articleSo, losing 10 pounds can mean you have to use 4 times less force on your knees.

Bariatric Surgerycan also reduce excessive stress on weight-bearing joints, which can reduce osteoarthritic symptoms such as walking and joint problemsPain.

*G: general anesthesia; L: local anesthesia

In comparison, you can see that several methods have similar recovery times. However, the length of time the result lasts may vary. For example, long-lasting results are expected from gold injections. However, the HLA injections only last 3-5 weeks.

• Modified shoes and insoles
• Paraffin
• biologics
• Iontophorese
• Kinesio-Taping
• Bisphosphonate
• Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine Supplements

• Colchicine
• methotrexate
• Hydroxychloroquin
• Radiofrequenz-Ablation
• Gepulste Vibrationstherapie
• Tramadol-Opioide
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

• What is the right time for knee replacement surgery?

As you can see, these alternatives are not only inexpensive, but also provide symptom relief. In addition, knee replacement surgery carries many major risks. If so, why not give it a try?

Ultimately, you and your doctor should determine the best possible option. However, remember that there is a great chance of returning to your pain-free mobile life without a knee replacement.

References:

NCBI:Targeting of macrophages as a potential therapeutic intervention

NCBI:The healing effect of stem cells from the bone marrow in knee osteoarthritis

NCBI:Stem cell treatment for knee cartilage defects and arthrosis

JOSR:Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy in knee osteoarthritis

PRETTY:Platelet-rich plasma injections in knee osteoarthritis

NCBI:Safety of oral nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteoarthritis

PUB-MED:The effects of acupuncture on chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis

PUB-MED:Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

NCBI:Does high weight loss affect bones in older adults with knee osteoarthritis?

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION:Prolotherapie bei Osteoarthritis