UKC

   I have a large area of missing cartilage in my knee from an injury/wear. I'm told the only option is possibly an Osteotomy (breaking my leg and straightening it) or I could try a knee brace. Its too far gone for cartilage graft/regrowth therapy of any kind, and they say I'm too young for any sort of partial or full replacement, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

   I really want to keep climbing and stay active but not cause too much pain/damage to the knee. Has anyone climbed with any sort of unloader brace or have any other idea's? Or any experience with this?

  Any help would be great.

  Aaron

Similar issue. I've been given a Thuasne Action Reliever through NHS which is an offloader brace. It's fine for general walking, but not very flexible so I struggle to bend my knee enough to climb with it. 

I've recently tried using an old bioskin hinged brace, which is much more flexible. It's ok to climb with, but doesn't have the advantages of the offloader. However, it does give me more confidence that I won't twist the knee and injure it again.

I had two cartilage operations approximately 20 years ago and had large amounts of cartilage removed from each knee. I now suffer from knee problems and was recommended full knee replacements, I’ve so far managed to put this off by wearing elasticated knee supports for climbing and walking down hill.

Have you been offered the possibilty of artificial lubricant injections directly into the joint? My wife has no cartilage in her right knee (the result of an old skiing injury). For the last ten years she's had a series of three injections a week apart, twice a year, of Synvisc (there are quite a few other trade names for this stuff). She continues her business as a trekking guide and is climbing harder than she ever has. It's been a total life saver for her. Surely best to try it before an osteotomy.

definitely, thanks for that. not sure I can get it on nhs but will look into it. not at all keen on osteotomy

Aaron

Yeah, that's what I've been doing but worried about doing more damage. Walked up pen y fan today. not bad going up but down was a nightmare. Seeing a good osteopath in a couple of weeks, maybe he can help.

Thanks, I'll look into that

I can't comment on the NHS as we don't live in the UK. Some of the products are reimbursed here in France but unfortunately the one that Mrs J has, is not. It is expensive, but it is definitely worth it. In fact the cost doesn't come into it... Hope you manage to sort something out.

I have problems with one of my knees too from an old injury. I always tell myself that I will have it checked but didn't so far so I am not sure what the cause is.

My temporary solution so far is to use a flexible brace for downhill walking but it is limiting movement while climbing so I have tried Kinesiology tape and it seems to help  to a certain extent.

I cant answer the question directly, but Joss Naylor has no cartilage in one of his knees and still managed to be the country's greatest fell runner

https://avauntmagazine.com/joss-naylor-fell-runner/

Hi Aaron,

I'd recommended getting a referral to an orthotics dept as there are several specialist knee braces designed to help with this sort of issue.

They vary in levels of support,comfort, cost etc therefore its worth seeing someone qualified in that area to ensure the correct one is selected for you.

They can be pretty costly, so you probsbly wouldnt want to order one online, but they are routinely prescribed in the NHS. Well for now, anyway

Emma

that is definitely motivating!

Hi Emma,

    Thanks for the reply. I'm currently waiting for an NHS prescribed brace. Not sure which one it is. They just measured my leg and said I would hear from them in a couple of weeks. I think it is just one for walking.. We'll see. Just using a neoprene type thing for now that does give some support.

Thanks, Aaron

Amongst about 10other ops between my two knees I have also had a high tibial osteotomy.  Wish I had had it 10yrs earlier on the other leg.  It may have prevented the full patella rupture I suffered which was 10x more painful to recover from.  After the osteotomy my arthritic pain which had cursed me for years disappeared overnight.  Fantastic op for me.  The added benefit is that when I do need a knee replacement eventually, everything will be a little better aligned.  Although to be honest, in terms of my arthritis it felt like it knocked off 10yrs of wear

thanks for the info, a friend I work with also had osteotomy on both knees and had success with it, so I won't write it off. The problem is you get used to the pain and don't realise how much it is affecting you.