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About The
Repicci System
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The knee has a joint surface or "tread," much like a tire has a tread.OSTEOARTHRITIS may be considered "tread disease," a progressive degenerative process that results in wearing out of the joint surface or "tread". The joint surface eventually erodes away, exposing the underlying bone. This loss of tread, or joint surface, may be compared to a bald tire. The exposed bone is painful with weight bearing. (Insert diagram) The NORMAL KNEE is a complex joint made of three separate areas that act like the tires of a car, enduring the "rough road" of walking and other daily activities. KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS most commonly develops in one "tire" while sparing the others.
Q.What patient would benefit from this procedure?
A. Patients of age 55 or older. Symptoms: Pain standing. Pain walking short
distances. Pain changing position such as sitting to standing. Persistent
knee swelling. Knee locking or giving out. Failure to respond to medical
treatment.
Q. What diagnostic test is most helpful in establishing
a need for this procedure?
A. Knee X-rays while weight bearing in the standing position. This X-ray
must demonstrate complete loss of joint cartilage in one weight bearing area
(see X-rays).
Q. I have suffered from knee arthritis for many years.
I am over 55 years of age. Pills, shots, even arthroscopic surgery have failed
to provide relief. I cannot stand for short periods, such as washing dishes,
without pain. Standing produces a grinding sensation with pain. After activity
my knee aches all night. Can this procedure provide relief?
A. Yes