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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 11/2011

01-11-2011 | Knee

Unload it: the key to the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Authors: Craig Waller, David Hayes, Jon E. Block, Nicholas J. London

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 11/2011

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a major public health problem whose prevalence is expected to grow dramatically commensurate with the aging of the population and increasing rates of obesity. Unfortunately, little progress has been made therapeutically to avert this epidemic. We hypothesize that the lack of effective interventions is due, in large part, to an overemphasis on pharmacotherapy and direct chondral repair. Instead, we propose that research and development efforts be aimed at addressing the aberrant biomechanics that are the primary driver in the progression of knee OA. In particular, technologies that “unload” the joint may reverse the structural damage, which is the cardinal feature of this disease. Re-establishing a favorable local mechanical environment may not only delay the requirement for an invasive joint reconstruction procedure but obviate the need entirely.
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Metadata
Title
Unload it: the key to the treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Authors
Craig Waller
David Hayes
Jon E. Block
Nicholas J. London
Publication date
01-11-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 11/2011
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1403-6

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