Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee in the Active Patient

Total knee arthroplasty has been extremely successful in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. However, there is considerable controversy regarding how best to treat the younger, athletic patient with advanced arthritis. Treatment options range from nonsurgical management with exercise and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to joint arthroplasty with activity modification. When properly indicated, arthroscopic débridement, high tibial osteotomy, unicondylar knee arthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty allow younger patients with arthritis to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.