One of the most dangerous pathologies of the synovial membrane, undoubtedly, is chondromatosis of the knee joint. There is enough information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this disease, hundreds of scientific and medical works have been devoted to the study of this issue, but to this day, scientists have not found an effective way to combat the disease.
Description of Chondromatosis
If you try to characterize the disease in two words, we can say that it is a pathological process of ossification of the joints. With the development of the disease, the tissues of the synovial membrane rapidly acquire a more dense structure, which leads to the appearance of many benign tumors and curvature of the limb. In a predominant number of cases, chondromatosis of the knee joint leads the patient to disability.
In addition, the underlying threat to the disease is its latent course. Most often, the disease does not manifest itself for a long time. At the initial stages, it is almost impossible to suspect a pathological overgrowth of cartilage tissue due to the lack of pain in the patient. Changes occur slowly, and it is often possible to identify the ailment even when fragments of overgrown cartilage fall into the inter-articular spaces.
Disease factors and risk groups
The course of the disease largely depends on the factor that provoked it. For example, heredity is one of the most likely causes of chondromatosis of the joints. Symptoms and treatment of the disease in this case also have certain features. Chondromatosis often occurs in men aged 20 to 40 years. Moreover, in childhood, the disease is confirmed extremely rarely. Among the several reasons for the growth of cartilage is worth noting:
- infection of the body - the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms provokes abnormal biochemical reactions in the blood, which leads to the degeneration of the synovial membrane;
- disruptions in the metabolism of articular tissues;
- excessive physical exertion, affecting the condition of the knee joints;
- intense sports;
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
It's time to see a doctor: symptoms and manifestations of joint pathology
Once again, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the disease is hidden. Most often, it is identified during the passage of preventive examinations.
Until the neoplasms are reached a centimeter in size, the patient may not feel the signs and symptoms of chondromatosis. Treatment of knee joints will bring maximum benefit if you start it immediately, that is, when the first alarming “bells” appear:
- uncharacteristic crunch in the limb during movement or even small physical exertion;
- aching and pulling pain at rest;
- difficulties with stirring (usually indicate the presence of large growths);
- swelling of the legs in the knee area;
- increased body temperature in the area of swelling.
Should I be examined for suspected chondromatosis?
When referring to specialists, the patient should be prepared to undergo a comprehensive examination of the knee joints. The doctor can make the right decision on further therapeutic actions only after a quality diagnosis.
The research results will allow an adequate assessment of the condition of the patient’s joints, to develop a set of effective therapeutic measures to improve blood supply to areas affected by chondromatosis and restore normal synovial fluid production. Only a competently drawn up plan of specialists will help at least slow down the further development of dystrophic changes in tissues.
Diagnostic Methods
Suspecting chondromatosis of the knee joints in a patient, doctors will direct him to undergo the following clinical procedures:
- radiography - will accurately determine the stage of pathology;
- Ultrasound - most often, the study reveals the number of neoplasms that have reached large sizes;
- arthroscopy - it is considered to be the most informative diagnostic method, since it implies local penetration of endoscopic equipment into the joint area with its visual detailed examination;
- MRI or CT - the most effective way to study the knee is a study that involves the use of contrast fluid;
- collection of biological material for biopsy - confirms the benignness of the disease.
It is worth noting that most of the above procedures are recommended for the patient to undergo only after identifying the characteristic signs of pathology in an x-ray.
Treatment of chondromatosis with pills: how effective?
Which diagnostic treatment of chondromatosis of the knee joint is prescribed to a patient to a greater extent depends on diagnostic findings. At the initial stages of the disease, it is advisable to apply methods of conservative therapy. The only therapeutic tactic whose action is aimed at directly combating the disease can be called mechanical extrusion of formations.
The remaining types of conservative therapy bring the patient only symptomatic assistance. These include the appointment of painkillers, drugs to eliminate edema, antipyretic medicines, etc. Palliative treatment of chondromatosis of the knee joint is not able to stop the progression of the disease and fully restore the patient's motor activity. It only helps to eliminate some manifestations of the pathology for a short time, but it does not give even the slightest guarantee to prevent relapse.
Knee surgery
A more effective alternative to conservative treatment is surgery. Invasive intervention in late stage synovial chondromatosis of the knee serves as a real chance for the patient to recover. The operable method is performed:
- elimination of cartilaginous formations;
- removal of the synovial bag in the case of a significant predominance of affected areas;
- installation of prostheses.
The last option of surgical treatment is resorted to when absolutely necessary (for example, in the case of a relapse of the disease after an operation already completed, significant deformity of the lower extremities).
Therapeutic arthroscopy: what are the features?
To penetrate into the cavity of the articular bag, the specialist does not have to use open technology. This type of surgical intervention implies invasiveness and tissue trauma, which cannot be said about the arthroscopy technique mentioned earlier as a diagnostic procedure. Its essence as a therapeutic measure is the ability to repair even the smallest damage to the joint by making two small incisions. An arthroscope is inserted through them - a special tube, at the end of which a tiny video camera is placed, and other instruments of the surgeon. The real picture of chondromatosis of the knee joint is displayed on the monitor, which allows the doctor to keep the situation under control, doing truly jewelry work to eliminate neoplasms.
This type of surgical intervention is intended to remove damaged parts of the meniscus, ligaments, manipulations with affected cartilage. In comparison with the classical operating technique, one of the advantages of arthroscopy is its slight invasiveness. To get access to tissues and a sore joint, several 5-mm incisions are made. At the same time, arthroscopy solves the most important task of the surgeon - to provide maximum visualization of the process during the use of instruments.
Terms of rehabilitation after arthroscopy
If we talk about the timing of recovery after operable treatment, open intervention is less priority. After arthroscopy, patients with knee chondromatosis undergo rehabilitation much faster, because:
- you can stand on a foot with a supporting load on the same day after manipulation;
- patients can walk without support on the second or third day;
- terms of the period of incapacity for work are halved: from 5-6 weeks to three;
- You can return to sports after 1.5-2 months after surgery;
- a return to the old lifestyle and increased physical activity is possible in 3-4 months.
The duration of stay in the inpatient department is minimal - from 1 to 3 days after the manipulation. The duration of hospital stay with open postoperative trauma is about 20-30 days. The high cost of surgery for arthroscopy of chondromatosis of the knee joint is the only disadvantage of this treatment. The price of the procedure largely depends on several factors:
- the severity of the disease;
- places of treatment (budgetary institution or private clinic);
- the cost of related materials, medicines, endoprostheses, implants, fixatives, etc.
Complications of chondromatosis without treatment
Thanks to the timely operation, the patient has every chance to get rid of chondromatosis forever. Ignoring benign formations, their growth will inevitably lead to deformation and dysfunction of the joint.
Moreover, untreated chondromatosis serves as a favorable condition for the occurrence of other, no less dangerous diseases (coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis, rheumatism) that are not amenable to treatment. At the first symptoms or suspicion of them, you should, without delaying, seek the advice of an orthopedist.