Growth in European knee reconstruction device market reflects increasing demand for knee surgery

The market for knee reconstruction devices in Europe will show a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% to 2021 it has been estimated by a new research report.

The biggest growth area will be in preliminary knee reconstruction devices as technological advances in prostheses has reduced the need for revision surgery later on in life and improvements in surgical technique means less downtime and quicker recovery, making knee surgery an increasingly popular solution to osteoarthritis of the knees.

Knee surgery: a growth market

According to Arthritis Research UK, 4.71 million people in the UK have sought treatment at some point for osteoarthritis, a figure that is set to rise to 6.5 million by 2020, due to the rapidly ageing population and increasing problems of obesity and physical inactivity.

Ninety-seven per cent of initial knee replacements are due to osteoarthritis. This often debilitating condition is the result of attrition over time, causing the cartilage that protects the knee joint to wear down until the bones grind against each other. Eventually, the knees become stiff and painful to the point that even basic everyday activities can become difficult. You may experience problems with just one knee or both and symptoms can include joint tenderness or pain that becomes worse when walking up an incline or stairs, knee instability, problems fully straightening or bending the knee and you may even hear a grating or popping sound.

What are my options for dealing with knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a long-term disease so can’t be cured, although it is possible to manage the condition so it doesn’t become progressively worse. In your consultation with leading knee surgeon Mr Jonathan Webb at his clinics in Bristol and London, various treatment options can be explored. If your symptoms are mild then simple lifestyle changes can help, including losing weight, taking up regular exercise or wearing different footwear.

More severe symptoms can be tackled with the use of painkillers and a specially designed exercise programme administered by a physiotherapist. However, if the discomfort and stiffness you are experiencing are not improving, knee surgery may be advised. This can be aimed at strengthening or repairing your existing knee joint or replacing it entirely.

To discuss your knee surgery options in more depth, call 08450 60 44 99 to book a consultation with Mr Jonathan Webb.