Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 8/1/2010

Question
Dear Doctor,

I am a 43 year old female with severe osteoarthritis in my right knee and moderate in my left. Doctors have been hesitant to treat because of my age. I have tried cortisone injections and synvisc injections,both with no benefit. Doctor believes I need a total knee or partial on the right but advises against it due to my age. He did finally give me some hope. He mentioned a procedure called Makoplasty. He thought it would be a good option for the worst knee. Could you tell me about Makoplasty, and if it is better to opt for a total knee vs a partial knee replacement.

Answer
Hi Erika,

No question here, resurfacing or partial joint replacement is much better if you are a candidate. I strongly recommend taking 3 grams of glucosamine sulfate with 500mg of MSN daily to prevent further joint deterioration. You are far too young to have multiple joint deterioration which is easily avoided with these side effect free supplements. All my patients that have undergone Makoplasty have been ambulatory and returned to full activity in a week or two. No doubt about it, Makoplasty is the way to go.

Good Luck!
Dr. Timothy Durnin