The development of alternatives to artificial knee joints has made significant progress in recent years. Innovative technologies and improved medical approaches offer new hope to patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially those who want to avoid surgery or for whom a complete joint replacement is not yet necessary.



Biological Therapies as a Beacon of Hope

Some of the most promising alternatives to artificial knee joints are based on biological procedures:

• Bone marrow and stem cell therapies: These methods aim to regenerate damaged cartilage and improve joint function. Stem cell therapy shows good results, especially in patients in the early stages of osteoarthritis.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This autologous blood therapy is increasingly used as an effective option for relieving joint pain. Growth factors in PRP promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue, although its effectiveness is limited in advanced osteoarthritis.

Minimally invasive technologies

• Cartilage Transplantation: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) replaces damaged cartilage areas with the patient's own cells. It is particularly suitable for younger patients whose joints are still largely intact.
• Osteotomy: In cases of leg malalignment, targeted correction of the load-bearing points can slow down the progression of osteoarthritis without replacing the entire joint.

Technological Advances in Endoprosthetics

Although endoprostheses or artificial knee joints are considered a last resort, they are becoming increasingly precise and durable:

• Customized Prostheses: With the help of digital planning and 3D printing, prostheses can be precisely adapted to the patient's anatomy, improving durability and functionality.
• Robot-assisted surgery: The use of robots in surgery enables more precise implantation, leading to better results and shorter rehabilitation times.

New materials for artificial knee joints

• Biohybrid Implants: These combine artificial components with biological materials and promote integration into tissue.
• Polyethylene and Ceramic Composites: They reduce wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the prostheses.

Regenerative approaches as a future vision

Research is increasingly focusing on approaches that preserve the joint:

• Cartilage matrix technologies: These use synthetic or biological scaffolds to support cartilage cells during regeneration.
• Nanotechnology: Novel materials with regenerative properties could further delay the use of prosthetics in the future.

Limitations of alternatives to artificial knee joints

These innovative approaches are not suitable for all patients. In advanced stages of osteoarthritis, joint replacement often remains the most effective option. However, these alternatives may enable patients in earlier stages to delay surgery and improve their quality of life.

The future of knee joint treatment lies in the combination of personalized therapies, minimally invasive technologies, and regenerative approaches. This not only reduces the need for a complete joint replacement but also increases overall treatment success.