Sam Akhavan, MD
Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Doctor
Arthroscopy Surgeon for Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Pain and Injuries
SHOULDER
ARTHROSCOPY
SURGEON
KNEE
ARTHROSCOPY
SURGEON
Knee Arthritis: Options for avoiding Knee Replacement
NON-OPERATIVE OPTIONS IN KNEE ARTHRITIS
Knee arthritis is among the most common causes of knee pain, especially in older populations. While knee replacements can provide excellent pain relief, it should truly be a last treatment option for knee arthritis. Non-surgical options include cortisone injections, Hyaluronic Acid Injections, physical therapy or knee bracing.
While results may vary from patient to patient, most patients can see significant improvements and pain relief from these modalities. Cortisone injections can be performed typically the same day of a visit. Hyaluronic Acid injections typically require ordering and are performing 2-4 weeks after the initial visit. These injections typically occur weekly over the course of 3-5 weeks depending on the formulation approved by your insurance company.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Occasionally, a patient will develop significant pain in the knee with minor arthritis. This could be a sign of significant bone marrow edema, a problem with the subchondral bone that supports the joints.
There are several procedures that can be performed to address this area of bone marrow edema. One procedure with excellent success is an IntraOsseous Bioplasty (IOBP), where bone marrow concentrate obtained from the hip is mixed with bone graft and is injected in the area of bone marrow edema during surgery.
Cortisone Injection
Typically performed same day of visit
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Typically 3 injections, performed 1 week apart.
These injections have to be ordered and may take several weeks prior to the first injection
Animation of an
Intraoosseous Bioplasty Procedure
Dr Sam Akhavan discusses the Intraosseous Bioplasty Procedure
Bone Marrow edema see on an MRI
Dr. Sam Akhavan operates at three different locations in Pittsburgh, PA:
The Surgery Center at Allegheny General Hospital
Wexford Health and Wellness Pavillion
Sewickley Heritage Valley Hospital
Call 412359-3895 for an appointment
