Congenital disorders in the knee refer to problems and structural defects that are transmitted to the next generations through genetic inheritance. These disorders can affect the formation and function of knee components such as bones, joints, soft tissues and ligaments. Some common congenital knee disorders are:
1. Gnome Dysplasia: In this disorder, the thigh bone (femur) sits disproportionately at the top of the knee, which can lead to bowing of the knee and misalignment of the bones.
2. Osgood-Schlatter disease: This disease occurs as a result of tension and stretching of the patellar ligament caused by the abnormal growth of the knee bone. This disease usually appears in childhood and adolescence and causes pain and inflammation in the patella area.
3. Strengthening of the internal thigh muscles (Femoral Anteversion): In this disorder, the femur bends inwards more than normal, which may lead to a change in leg position and problems in triggering.
4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament – ACL Tear: This disorder may occur in congenital conditions due to the structural weakness of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. This problem is usually aggravated if sports activities or sudden movements are performed.
These are just a few examples of congenital knee disorders, and many of these disorders are still not fully understood. If you or someone in your family suffers from such disorders, it is important to consult and check with an orthopedic specialist to get a correct diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.
Can congenital knee disorders be treated?
Treatment of congenital knee disorders depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Some of these disorders are treatable and can be cured with various methods, including drug treatment, physical therapy, orthopedic aids and in some cases surgery. However, in some cases, congenital disorders in the knee may not be able to be fully treated, and it is only possible to improve the symptoms and reduce the complications with therapeutic measures.
The most important step in the treatment of these disorders is correct diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to see an orthopedic specialist with experience in this field. After a detailed examination and evaluation of the condition, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis for you and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Depending on the type of disorder, treatment may include medications to control inflammation and pain, physical therapy sessions to strengthen muscles and improve movement, use of orthopedic aids such as toys and special bandages, and in certain cases, surgery to repair or strengthen knee structures such as ligaments. will be
However, as mentioned, some congenital knee disorders may not be completely curable and symptoms can only be controlled with medical measures. In any case, the goal of treatment in these cases is to improve the quality of life and reduce complications and problems related to the disorder.
What are the signs that knee surgery is needed?
The diagnosis of the need for knee surgery depends on the type of congenital disorder and its severity. But in some cases, the following signs and symptoms may indicate the need for knee surgery:
1. Failure to respond to non-surgical treatment: If after all non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, local injections and medications, your symptoms and problems do not improve and remain persistent, surgery may be required.
2. Insufficient knee stability: If your knee has insufficient stability due to a congenital disorder that results in repeated injuries, chronic pain, and significant limitation of knee joint motion, surgery may be necessary.
3. Structural changes of the knee: If diagnostic imaging such as radiography, endoscopy or MRI shows that the structures of the knee are damaged and need repair or correction, surgery may be necessary.
4. Exacerbation of symptoms during activity: If your symptoms such as pain, swelling or limitation of movement in the knee become more severe during physical activity and do not decrease with rest, surgery may be required.
5. Worsening symptoms over time: If your symptoms get progressively worse and affect you over time, surgery may improve recovery.
It is important to consult an orthopedic specialist to perform the necessary tests and give the final diagnosis for the need for knee surgery. Your doctor will make a more accurate diagnosis based on your condition and your clinical history.
Does the treatment of congenital disorders in the knee may require surgery?
Yes, in some cases, the treatment of congenital knee disorders requires surgery. Surgery may be recommended if there is a structural or conformational problem in the knee and non-surgical treatment methods fail to provide a full recovery. Some of the cases that may require surgery include:
1. Ligament repair: If the congenital knee ligaments are weak or insufficient and have led to knee instability, ligament repair surgery may be needed.
2. Correction of bones: In some congenital disorders such as gnome dysplasia, surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the bones and create a correct balance between the different parts of the knee.
3. Arthroplasty: In some cases where knee arthrosis diseases due to congenital disorders cause destruction of cartilage and knee tissues, arthroplasty surgery may be required.
The decision on the need for surgery and the type of surgical procedure depends on the diagnosis and severity of the disorder, the patient’s age and performance, and the recommendation of the orthopedic specialist. Before deciding on surgery, your treating doctor must carefully evaluate the condition and explain to you whether surgery is suitable or not and how the surgical procedures will be performed.
What complications may occur after surgery for congenital disorders in the knee?
Complications after surgery of congenital knee disorders can be related to general surgical complications as well as specific complications related to knee surgery. Some of these complications include:
1. General complications of surgery: These complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, good niuses formation, severe pain, anesthesia complications and symptoms related to anemia. These complications are possible with any surgery and your doctor will try to minimize these complications.
2. Specific complications of the knee: knee surgery can cause complications related to the knee itself. Some of these complications include knee infection, formation of imbalance in knee ligaments and tissues, stiffness and stiffness in the knee, and limitation of knee joint movement.
3. Incomplete healing: In some cases, despite surgery, some symptoms and problems associated with congenital knee disorder do not heal completely and may remain temporarily or permanently. This issue can be due to the severity of the disorder, delay in diagnosis, incomplete restoration of knee structures or other factors.
4. Complications due to anesthesia: If general anesthesia is used, complications related to anesthesia may occur. These complications include respiratory problems, heart problems, nausea and vomiting, complications related to the digestive system and nerve irritation.
Before surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possible complications, risks, and benefits of surgery. Also, after surgery, follow the doctor’s suggestions regarding post-operative care and physical therapy exactly so that fewer complications occur and you have the best possible recovery.
What care should I take after surgery for congenital knee disorders?
After surgery for congenital knee disorders, the following care may be necessary:
1. Care of the surgical department: After the operation, you should follow the doctor’s instructions about changing bandages, secretions, following hygiene rules and cleaning wounds.
2. Speeding up recovery with physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is the most important part of care after knee surgery. Physiotherapy includes exercises to strengthen the knee muscles, increase the range of motion, improve balance and quality of movement, and return to daily activities. Your doctor and physiotherapist will determine the right treatment plan for you.
3. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications to reduce pain and inflammation and speed recovery after surgery. Follow the doctor’s instructions and regulations regarding the use of medicines exactly.
4. Observance of rest and activity restriction: After surgery, you may need rest and activity restriction. Your doctor will advise you on how much rest and what activities you can do.
5. Compliance with nutritional instructions: A healthy diet and proper nutrition can help recovery after surgery. Your doctor or dietitian may give you tips about proper nutrition after surgery.
6. Regular follow-up with the doctor: The care plan after knee surgery will include regular visits with the doctor. The purpose of these visits is to check your progress, check for new signs and symptoms, and determine the right treatment plan for you.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to inform your doctor if you develop any worrying symptoms or new problems. Also, if you have medications, bandages, or discharge, follow your doctor’s instructions about changing bandages and how to care for your knee.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor to develop a specific care plan for you, as care needs may depend on the type of surgery, its severity, and your specific condition.