Knee Osteoarthritis

In this type, the degenerative changes primarily affect the medial (inner) compartment of the knee joint. This often results in pain and stiffness on the inner side of the knee, particularly during weight-bearing activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Medial compartment osteoarthritis may lead to varus deformity, where the knee bows inward, causing misalignment of the joint and altered biomechanics.

Lateral compartment knee joint osteoarthritis involves degenerative changes primarily affecting the lateral (outer) compartment of the knee joint. Individuals with this type of knee joint osteoarthritis may experience pain, swelling, and instability on the outer side of the knee, especially during activities that involve bending or twisting motions. Lateral compartment knee joint osteoarthritis can lead to valgus deformity, where the knee angles outward, resulting in joint misalignment and increased stress on the lateral structures of the knee.

Patellofemoral knee joint osteoarthritis refers to degenerative changes occurring in the patellofemoral joint, which is the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the thigh bone (femur). This type of knee joint osteoarthritis often presents with anterior knee pain, crepitus (grinding sensation), and difficulty with activities that involve squatting, kneeling, or prolonged sitting. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis may be associated with malalignment of the patella, patellar tracking issues, or quadriceps muscle weakness.

Global knee joint osteoarthritis involves degenerative changes affecting multiple compartments of the knee joint, including the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments. Individuals with global knee OA may experience pain, stiffness, and functional limitations that affect various aspects of daily life, including walking, climbing stairs, and participating in recreational activities. Global knee osteoarthritis often presents with diffused knee pain and swelling, along with joint instability and decreased range of motion.

Post-traumatic knee joint osteoarthritis can develop in the knee following a traumatic injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear (e.g., ACL or meniscus tear), or dislocation. The initial injury disrupts the normal structure and function of the knee joint, leading to accelerated degenerative changes over time. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis may affect one or more compartments of the knee joint and can present with a combination of pain, swelling, instability, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching.

Secondary knee joint osteoarthritis refers to degenerative joint changes that occur as a result of underlying conditions or risk factors, such as obesity, malalignment, previous joint surgery, inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes). These factors can contribute to accelerated joint degeneration and increased susceptibility to developing knee osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis may exhibit similar symptoms and patterns of joint involvement as primary osteoarthritis but may progress more rapidly or have unique features related to the underlying condition.