Joint Preservation

Joint preservation refers to medical treatments and procedures aimed at preserving the natural joint and preventing or delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.

Goals:

1. Relieve pain and inflammation

2. Improve joint function and mobility

3. Prevent further joint damage

4. Promote cartilage regeneration and repair

Techniques:

1. Arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery)

2. Cartilage repair and regeneration

3. Joint debridement (removing damaged tissue)

4. Osteotomy (realignment of bones)

5. Joint distraction (temporarily separating bones)

6. Biological therapies (stem cells, growth factors)

7. Orthobiologics (platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid)

8. Physical therapy and rehabilitation

9. Medications (pain management, anti-inflammatory)

Indications:

1. Early-stage osteoarthritis

2. Cartilage defects or lesions

3. Joint injuries or trauma

4. Degenerative joint disease

5. Failed previous joint surgeries

Benefits:

1. Minimally invasive procedures

2. Reduced recovery time

3. Preserves natural joint

4. Delayed or avoided joint replacement

5. Improved joint function and mobility

6. Enhanced quality of life

Candidates:

1. Active individuals

2. Younger patients

3. Those seeking alternative to joint replacement

4. Patients with early-stage joint degeneration