Question
sirmy age 44 weight 100kg india…my joint space knee appeared reduced more than 50 percentage radiological only x ray..actulay I have no any significant problem in walking,climbing steps,standing more than 1 hour some experts say that if joint space radiologicaly as per x ray appears reduced 75 percent you may stay life long without arthritis problem by reducing weight or changing life style with specific excercise..while some experts say that within 5 years you may have to change joint by replacement operation ..who are coorect?can person stay without much more difficulty for life long without operation even with 75 percent reduction of knee joint space(cartilage space)? some experts say that radiological appearance of joint space is not correct picture of possible serious joint problems.is it true?
Answer
The indications for joint replacement are based on symptoms– specifically pain and disability. It is not understood why, but there are many patients with severe joint space narrowing but no pain or disability. Conversely, there are patients with only mild joint space narrowing but severe pain who require total joint replacement.
