A knee that cannot be fully straightened is not merely a complaint caused by fatigue or aging. This condition can be an indication of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage cushioning the joint wears down, leading to stiffness and limited knee movement. If left untreated, osteoarthritis can significantly affect quality of life due to chronic pain and restricted daily activities.
As a more precise treatment solution, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides knee replacement surgery assisted by the advanced CORI robotic system. This cutting-edge robotic technology helps orthopedic surgeons plan procedures in a more accurate and personalized manner, aiming to restore knee function, reduce pain, and improve long-term patient comfort.
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Why Does Osteoarthritis Cause Difficulty in Straightening the Knee?
Difficulty in straightening the knee in osteoarthritis occurs due to gradual structural and functional changes within the knee joint. The following factors explain this condition:
1. Thinning and damage of cartilage
In osteoarthritis, knee cartilage becomes thinner and damaged, resulting in uneven joint surfaces. This leads to friction between bones during movement, causing pain and making patients reflexively avoid fully straightening the knee.
2. Formation of bone spurs (osteophytes)
Joint damage stimulates new bone growth around the joint. These bone spurs can obstruct normal knee movement and cause a “catching” sensation when attempting to straighten the knee.
3. Joint stiffness due to inflammation
Osteoarthritis may cause mild chronic inflammation in the surrounding joint tissues. As a result, the joint becomes stiff, especially after long periods of inactivity, making it difficult to fully straighten the knee.
4. Thickening of the joint capsule and ligaments
Over time, soft tissues around the knee—such as the joint capsule and ligaments—can thicken and lose elasticity. This limits the knee’s range of motion, including the ability to fully extend the leg.
5. Pain-induced knee flexion reflex
Chronic knee pain often causes patients to unconsciously keep the knee slightly bent to reduce discomfort. Over time, this habit may lead to permanent movement limitations.
Other Osteoarthritis Symptoms to Watch For
In addition to difficulty straightening the knee, other osteoarthritis symptoms that should not be ignored include:
- Joint pain during or after activity
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged inactivity
- Pain when the joint is touched or lightly pressed
- Reduced joint mobility, preventing full range of motion
- A grinding sensation accompanied by cracking, popping, or crepitus sounds during movement
- Joint swelling due to inflammation of surrounding soft tissues
Complications of Untreated Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and progressive joint disease that can worsen over time if not properly treated. As the condition advances, it often leads to chronic and persistent pain. Increasing pain and stiffness can significantly impair mobility, making daily activities difficult.
Beyond physical limitations, osteoarthritis can also affect psychological well-being. Sleep disturbances and depression may develop due to ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and a decline in overall quality of life.
Osteoarthritis Treatment with CORI Robotic Technology at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
When conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes fail to provide sufficient improvement, doctors may recommend knee replacement surgery for severe osteoarthritis. Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital offers both partial and total knee replacement procedures supported by the advanced CORI robotic system.
The CORI robot is a modern robotic platform designed to enhance accuracy and precision in knee joint replacement procedures, whether partial or total. This technology assists orthopedic surgeons in creating detailed surgical plans, ensuring optimal implant positioning, and removing damaged bone and tissue in a more controlled manner.
Advantages of CORI Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
1. Supports both UKA and TKR procedures in one system
The CORI robot is capable of performing both Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) and Total Knee Replacement (TKR). This allows surgeons to tailor the procedure based on the extent of knee damage, whether partial or complete replacement is required.
2. FDA-approved robotic knee system for revision surgery
CORI is the only knee robotic system approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for revision knee surgery. This complex procedure, which involves replacing an existing implant, can be performed with greater precision and safety using robotic assistance.
3. No preoperative CT scan or MRI required
Unlike other systems, CORI does not require preoperative CT scans or MRI. Knee anatomy mapping is performed intraoperatively, generating a real-time 3D model of the knee to assist with precise implant placement and ligament balancing.
4. Uses durable OXINIUM implants
CORI is compatible with OXINIUM implants, an innovative material designed to minimize wear. Laboratory testing shows that these implants can last up to nine times longer than conventional materials, making them a reliable long-term solution.
5. Globally used and supported by scientific evidence
The CORI robotic knee system has been implemented in more than 30 countries and is supported by hundreds of scientific publications in international medical journals. This global recognition highlights its effectiveness, safety, and innovation in modern precision knee replacement surgery.
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