Question
Hi,

I was wondering if you could help. I am not sure what to do.  I have osteoarthritis in my knees. The situation is that it is down to bone on bone. Do you think surgery is my only alternative? Also, if I did have the surgery, how long could I expect it to last? I am 52. Thank you. Val.

Answer
Hi,
Cartilage is a very thin layer that lets bone slide upon bone. You state that this cartilage is gone, "bone to bone". Cartilage is difficult to view on X-ray or MRI since it is so thin, so I am assuming that it really is gone because you can hear or feel the grinding in the knee. If this is the case, then reasons for surgery would be pain that you can not tolerate or some form of disability that makes walking difficult. At this point, one alternative would be to contact an orthopaedic surgeon about knee surgery.  Many surgeries go well and the surgeon will explain the odds to you.  There are also many types of pain clinics around which can help someone live with a worn down knee if surgery is not what you wish. However, you are only 52 years old and everything I have said above is guesswork based on what you tell me alone and not having seen any types of pictures or having heard any sounds of the knees at work. If I can be of further information, please let me know. Best wishes.