Non-Operative Management of Knee Osteoarthritis Disability

Background: Knee osteoarthritis, a highly common, disabling joint disease affecting a large number of older adults is presently incurable, and not always amenable to surgery or pharmacologic interventions. Purpose: The purpose of the present review was to describe the nature of osteoarthritis and examine the utility of some non-pharmacological and non-operative treatment strategies that have been advocated for alleviating the pain and disability of knee osteoarthritis in later life. Methods: A review of the English language data base was conducted to identify relevant literature published on this topic over the last 35 years. Key words included osteoarthritis, knee, and management. Results: As with other forms of osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee produces considerable disability and impedes the attainment of a high life quality for many older adults. Alone or in combination, several non-operative and non-pharmacologic approaches may however, influence the disease process quite favourably, and promote more favourable functional outcomes than standard care practices commonly yield. Conclusions: The application of one or more carefully designed conservative interventions is likely to reduce the functional disability and pain experienced by older people with knee osteoarthritis, regardless of whether surgical and or pharmacologic strategies are indicated.