Tricompartmentalosteoarthritis(OA) is a jot down of knee arthritis.
The knee joint contains three bones: thefemur,tibia, andpatella.
This article explains tricompartmental osteoarthritis and how its symptoms are diagnosed.
B.BOISSONNET / BSIP / Corbis / Getty Images
It explains treatment options, including why tricompartmental osteoarthritis can be serious and require surgery.
The knee may creak, pop, or make bone-on-bone sounds calledcrepitus.
Knees also change shape and the deformity can be visible.
Some people feel as though the knee cannot support the body.
When all three knee compartments are involved, the OA can be considered end-stage.
Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
A physical examination may provide the first indication of which compartment is affected.
Your healthcare provider will ask you to stand and to walk.
They watch for:
Your healthcare provider will also check forjoint laxityand check yourrange of motion.
About half of these people have knee symptoms.
There is also a bicompartmental knee replacement option for people with knee osteoarthritis of the medial and patellofemoral compartments.
The main advantage of a partial knee replacement is that normal bone and the twoanterior cruciate ligamentsare preserved.
Hospitalization time, recovery time, and the risk of complications are also reduced.
Summary
Tricompartmental osteoarthritis affects all three compartments of the knee.
It involves the joints and spaces shaped by the femur, tibia, and patella bones.
Treatment options, especially surgical options, are likely with tricompartmental knee OA.
However, an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing knee osteoarthritis and finding appropriate treatment.
An orthopedic specialist may be needed to treat the condition.
2021 Apr;29(4):445-455. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2020.10.011
Arthritis Foundation.Osteoarthritis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Arthritis of the knee.
2020 Oct 5;2(5):e583-e590.
2016;4(1):5. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.12.24
