Understanding Knee Replacement and Osteoarthritis

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is often considered the last resort for individuals suffering from severe knee pain, primarily due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. When non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, and the pain becomes debilitating, knee replacement surgery may be recommended to restore function and improve the quality of life.

Why Knee Replacement Surgery is Necessary

  • Severe Pain and Disability: Osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain that interferes with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even resting. When pain management through medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are ineffective, surgery may become the only viable option.
  • Loss of Function and Mobility: As OA progresses, the knee joint can become increasingly stiff and deformed, severely limiting mobility. This loss of function can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which further exacerbates health issues like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
  • Improving Quality of Life: For many, the chronic pain and reduced mobility associated with advanced OA can lead to depression, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life. Knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce pain and restore a more active, independent lifestyle.

Exploring Alternatives: ONSTIM and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

While knee replacement surgery can be life-changing for many, it’s an invasive procedure with a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have introduced alternative treatments for managing osteoarthritis pain, particularly when the knee is structurally sound. The most notable advancement is the ONSTIM Orthopedic Nerve Stimulation Procedure.
ONSTIM, or Orthopedic Nerve Stimulation, is a new approach to peripheral nerve stimulation. Our ONSTIM Orthopedic Nerve Stimulation Centers offer a non-opioid, minimally-invasive procedure that is done at a same-day surgery center.

ONSTIM Procedure

ONSTIM is a peripheral nerve stimulation technique specifically designed to manage chronic knee pain. It involves the use of a small, implanted device that delivers electrical impulses to the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee to the brain. By disrupting these signals, ONSTIM can effectively reduce the sensation of pain.

Advantages of ONSTIM:

  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a small incision to implant the device, making it much less invasive than knee replacement surgery.
  • Targeted Pain Relief: ONSTIM specifically targets the nerves involved in knee pain, providing more focused relief.
  • Adjustable Treatment: The device can be adjusted to deliver varying levels of stimulation based on the patient’s pain levels and needs.
  • Comfort and Recovery: Because this is a minimally-invasive procedure, there is very little pain, and you can get back to your life right away with virtually no down time. The transmitter is a wearable device that you can adjust for maximum comfort and convenience.
  • Opiod Free Recovery: The only pain medication typically needed after your procedure is acetaminophen. The incision is very small and causes little discomfort. No opiods are needed.
  • Non-Destructive: ONSTIM does not alter the structure of the knee joint, making it suitable for patients with structurally sound knees.
  • Reversible: Unlike some surgical interventions, ONSTIM is reversible and can be discontinued if necessary.
  • Long-Term Pain Management: ONSTIM can provide sustained pain relief, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle without the need for more invasive procedures.

Is ONSTIM right for you?

While knee replacement surgery remains a crucial option for those suffering from severe osteoarthritis pain and joint damage, it is not the only solution. The emergence of treatments like ONSTIM offers hope for individuals seeking pain relief without undergoing major surgery. These minimally invasive procedures can effectively manage pain and improve quality of life, particularly for those with structurally sound knees.

Contact our offices in Pensacola Beach, FL to determine if you are a candidate for the ONSTIM procedure.