Cartilage Care Center: Non-operative Options

Bracing

Bracing may be utilized for various reasons. The "unloader brace" could be utilized for tibiofemoral problems occurring only on one side of the joint. The "unloader brace" unloads the affected side of the joint putting increased force on the opposite side of the knee. A patellofemoral tracking brace may offer improved comfort for patients with subluxation or dislocation of the patella. A compression sleeve may be recommended for patients with chronic swelling. Bracing is often utilized to improve patient's comfort; however it typically does not fix the problem.

Neutraceuticals/Chondroprotection (Nutritional Supplements)

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two naturally occurring compounds found in cartilage that have shown in some studies to slow deterioration of cartilage, but NOT to grow new cartilage. Always discuss "natural remedies" with your cartilage surgeon for current updates.

Injectable Viscosupplementation

Surgeons inject the knee with a substance that offers relief by possibly improving joint lubrication on the short term and altering the biochemical environment in the intermediate term. These are typically derivatives of a naturally occurring substance in the knee--hyaluronic acid.

Pulsed Electrical Current

Pulsed low level electrical current (that is not even felt during treatment) has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain and improve function in patients who would otherwise be knee replacement candidates. This device is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.