Treatment Choices for Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee may cause limited mobility and difficulty performing daily tasks. To help people understand the available treatment options and determine which treatment is best for them, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Knee Osteoarthritis.

This program is intended for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who are experiencing severe pain, limited mobility and difficulty doing everyday activities. The Foundation has developed separate programs for people whose symptoms are likely due to early-stage knee osteoarthritis or a torn meniscus.

The program describes several treatment options, including:

• nonsurgical treatments, such as lifestyle changes, exercise therapy, medications such as NSAIDs, injections, and complementary and alternative therapies
• surgical treatments, including osteotomy, and partial, total and bilateral knee replacement

The program compares these treatments and helps people choose an option that best reflects their personal preferences and desired lifestyle. It also discusses important considerations, such as rehabilitation and timing of surgery, and how arthroscopic surgery does not improve pain or other symptoms from knee osteoarthritis any better than nonsurgical treatments.

Interviews with real patients who have chosen nonsurgical treatment, knee replacement or both model how informed people can approach the decision-making process.  The program also features interviews with two orthopedic surgeons.

This program was developed with our production partner, Health Dialog. It is available as a DVD, a booklet and a web-based program (Health Crossroads®) for Health Dialog members.