Knee-preservation assessment · Chennai
Find out what is causing your knee pain.
Before choosing an injection or replacement, understand the condition of your knee and whether preserving it is still reasonable.
Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam considers your symptoms, examination, imaging, health and previous treatment together. The aim is a reasoned treatment decision for each knee.
Your knee, in context
What does the assessment cover?
Your symptoms & goals
Where and when does it hurt? What happens on stairs, at night or during walking? Swelling, stiffness, instability and the activities you want to regain all matter.
Movement & examination
Examination considers range of motion, strength, stability, walking and the structures that may be contributing to pain. The hip or spine may also need assessment.
Imaging & prior care
Existing X-rays and MRI are reviewed with the examination. Previous injections, surgery, rehabilitation and their effects help guide the next decision.
Health & preparation
Medicines, diabetes, other illnesses and relevant metabolic factors are reviewed before any procedure. Further tests are selected where they will help diagnosis or planning.
Will I need new scans or blood tests?
Bring the imaging and reports you already have. New investigations are requested when they address a clinical question, rather than as an automatic package.
X-rays show joint structure; MRI can provide further information about cartilage, menisci, soft tissues and bone marrow lesions when indicated. Specialist imaging or blood tests may be useful in particular circumstances.
Alignment is considered in context. A bowed appearance can reflect more than the shape of the bones, and does not by itself establish the need for corrective surgery.
Can my natural knee be preserved?
That depends on what is driving your symptoms, the condition of the joint, stability, function, general health and your goals. Age or an X-ray grade alone does not settle the decision.
Options may include rehabilitation, activity guidance, bracing, appropriate medicines or selected orthobiologic procedures. Some patients are better served by replacement or another treatment.
Each knee is assessed separately, even when both have arthritis. An assessment is not a commitment to a procedure.
Searching for “stem cell treatment”?
The phrase is often used loosely for very different products and procedures. PRP, adipose stromal tissue preparations and BMAC differ from one another and from laboratory-expanded stem cells.
Ask what is being prepared, its source, how it is processed, where it will be delivered and what evidence supports its use. There is no promise of complete cartilage restoration or permanent avoidance of replacement.
Understand PRP, PRS and BMAC → · Explore the PRASAD™ pathway →
Prepare for your visit
What should you bring?
- Existing X-rays, MRI images and their reports, with dates.
- Details of previous injections, operations, physiotherapy and braces.
- Your current medicines, allergies, relevant illnesses and recent test results.
- A short account of walking ability, stairs, sleep and the activities you want to improve.
Do not change prescribed medicines before the visit unless your treating clinician advises it.
What should be clear after the discussion?
The likely sources of your symptoms, whether further tests are useful, reasonable options and their limitations, and the next step. If a procedure is proposed, discuss its risks, recovery, costs and alternatives before deciding.
Book your knee-preservation assessment.
Consultations at Kasthuri Hospital, West Tambaram, Chennai. Confirm the time and venue with the clinic before travelling.
Appointments: +91 95661 43108