KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS – CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OR SURGERY?

The typical signs of knee osteoarthritis include knee pain and swelling, difficulty walking, especially when climbing stairs or walking long distances.

Dr. Cao Manh Lieu from the Department of Orthopedics at Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) says: “When patients present with knee pain, clinical exams are followed by specific tests like X-rays, CT scans, or fluid aspiration to differentiate from other knee conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.”

At HFH, each patient receives personalized care following Western standards, with a strong preference for conservative treatment to promote the fastest recovery. Conservative treatments include:

• Medication
• Physical therapy in collaboration with Physiotherapy specialists
• Knee braces
• Joint injections
• Corrective osteotomy may be recommended to relieve pain and slow joint deterioration for younger patients with knee degeneration due to bone misalignment

If symptoms worsen despite medication and rehabilitation—especially for patients over 60—doctors may advise knee replacement surgery.

• Partial knee replacement: Suitable when only one compartment of the knee is damaged, preserving other healthy areas. Compared to a full replacement, partial knee replacement has benefits, such as less bone and tissue disturbance, reduced blood loss, fewer complications, and quicker recovery.
• Total knee replacement: Considered the final and highly effective treatment for severe stage III and IV knee osteoarthritis, this surgery corrects joint deformities comprehensively.

The Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Department at Hanoi French Hospital is a trusted provider for musculoskeletal conditions, offering:

• An internationally trained, highly experienced team of doctors
• Personalized treatment plans following international standards, with close monitoring and timely adjustments
• A surgical suite ready for emergencies, adhering to strict global standards for sterilization and infection control
• Multidisciplinary care for optimal, long-lasting results for each patient.

For more details or to book a consultation with HFH specialists, call us via our hotline on 0243 577 1100, message our Facebook page "Hanoi French Hospital," or connect with us on our Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955