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Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease, mainly characterized by cartilage wear, joint inflammation, and functional impairment, which affect patients' mobility and quality of life. The condition is mostly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals, but in recent years, younger patients have been increasing due to obesity, sports injuries, and other factors.
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases worldwide, with prevalence increasing with age and obesity rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 350 million people worldwide suffer from KOA, with a prevalence of 10%–20%. In people over 50, the prevalence can exceed 40%.
China: About 15% of people over 40 have KOA, and the rate reaches 50% among those over 60. The aging population continues to drive the increase in patient numbers.
United States: Approximately 32 million people are affected, with obesity and sedentary lifestyles as the main risk factors.
Europe: Adult prevalence is about 20%–30%, with an even higher proportion among the elderly.
Japan and South Korea: Among people over 65, the prevalence exceeds 50%, mainly due to aging.
The prevalence in women is higher than in men, which may be related to estrogen levels, bone structure, and lifestyle factors.
Knee osteoarthritis not only affects joint function but may also lead to serious disability.
1. Joint pain and stiffness
In the early stages, there is only mild pain after activity, but as the condition progresses, pain may become persistent and even disturb sleep at night. Joint stiffness is more noticeable in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
2. Limited mobility and deformity
Patients often experience limited joint mobility, such as difficulty climbing stairs, standing, or walking for long periods. In advanced cases, KOA may cause bow-legged (O-shaped) or knock-kneed (X-shaped) deformities, even resulting in complete loss of independent mobility.
3. Decline in quality of life
Pain and mobility limitations affect daily life, work, and social activities, leading to depression and anxiety in some patients.
4. Increased risk of other diseases
① Reduced physical activity increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
② Long-term use of painkillers may cause gastric ulcers and liver and kidney damage.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis is a regenerative medicine strategy that has gained attention in recent years. It aims to repair or regenerate damaged cartilage, slow disease progression, relieve pain, and improve joint function. Advantages of stem cell therapy include:
① Promotes regeneration of joint tissue and blood vessels.
② Improves the local joint microenvironment and reduces local inflammation.
③ Minimally invasive treatment, reducing surgical risks.
④ Autologous stem cells cause no immune rejection, with low infection risk.
The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. The main methods include non-pharmacological therapy, pharmacological therapy, and surgical treatment.
1. Non-pharmacological therapy
Suitable for all stages, helping to slow disease progression.
① Weight management: Losing 5% of body weight can reduce knee joint load by 20%–30%.
② Exercise therapy: Quadriceps training, swimming, and cycling can enhance knee stability.
③ Physical therapy: Methods such as hot compresses, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation can help relieve pain.
④ Orthopedic aids: Knee braces, canes, and corrective insoles can reduce stress on the knee.
2. Pharmacological therapy
Used for moderate to severe pain, but cannot reverse joint damage.
① Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain, and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) for moderate to severe pain, though long-term use may harm the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.
② Hyaluronic acid injections: Provide lubrication and reduce friction in the joint, though effectiveness varies by patient.
③ Corticosteroid injections: Provide rapid short-term inflammation relief, but long-term use may accelerate cartilage damage.
④ Chondroprotective agents (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate): May offer some protective effects, though clinical efficacy remains debated.
3. Surgical treatment
Suitable for severe patients when medication and conservative therapies fail.
① Arthroscopic surgery: Removes joint debris, suitable for early-stage patients but not curative.
② Osteotomy: For younger patients, redistributes weight-bearing to reduce knee pressure.
③ Total knee arthroplasty (TKA): For advanced patients, significantly improves function, with a 10-year survival rate of 90%.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that with the advancement of precision medicine and regenerative medicine, future treatments may include stem cell therapy, cartilage tissue engineering, and biomaterial implantation, providing more options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
