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Southern Ocean County Hospital would like to thank everyone who e-mailed questions for this edition of Ask-The-Expert and would like to especially thank Dr. Raymond Weiand for taking part in the program.

January : Full and Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Dr. Weiand's answers are informational only and should not be used as a diagnosis or for treatment. Please talk to your physician about official diagnosis of your condition and treatment.

Question 1
I am 57 years old and have had arthroscopic surgery done on my right knee for torn cartledge on Aug. 7, 2006. I had six weeks of physical therapy, but my knee continues to hurt. I limp and have difficulty with stairs and getting up from a seated position. I recently went to a different orthopaedist for a second opinion. He took x-rays and told me that my knee is bone on bone, and would recommend a total knee replacement. Am I too young for this procedure? Should I try fluid injections first or is it too late if I'm bone on bone?

I suggest to hold off on total knee replacement until all conservative treatments have been tried. The fluid injections such as Synvisc may work 70% of the time and give relief up to six month to a year.

Question 2
I've been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease in both knees. At 62, I'm wondering what would be the best choice of surgeries: scraping? minimally invasive with unicondylar (sp?) replacements? etc. I've been told I have little, if any cartilage left. Although normal walking is possible, up and down stairs is painful, and I feel very unsteady and weak. Could both be done at the same time? (I teach school full time.)

The type of surgery depends on the stage your arthritis is in. Always try non-operative treatment first such as Synvisc injections. Yes, one can have both knees replaced at the same time.

Question 3
Is cartiledge transplantation possible?

Yes, cartilage transplants are possible. However most people do not qualify do to their age and the stage of the disease.