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When Your Doctor Says Your Knees Are Bone on Bone


I’m shocked at the number of patients who come into my office for a consultation and report that their doctor said they were bone on bone and need knee replacement.  Some patients have been told that there is nothing that can be done beyond pain management. 


Oftentimes, these same patients haven’t even had X-rays or a comprehensive work up.  Others who have had X-rays aren’t actually bone on bone.  


If you have been diagnosed as bone on bone, yet you haven’t had a comprehensive physical examination including an MRI, there may be another underlying cause to your joint pain.  A thorough physical examination, complete with an MRI, is necessary to evaluate whether soft tissue (meniscus, tendon, ligament) is damaged which cannot be seen on X-rays.  Tissue damage is often the true cause of knee pain. Regenerative treatments can often effectively address or heal the cause of discomfort from soft tissue damage.


In most cases, a good orthopedic surgeon will encourage patients with arthritis to wait as long as possible to have surgery.  If knee surgery is inevitable for you in the long term, regenerative therapy can help prolong your need for surgery and help to alleviate pain in the meantime.  Regenerative injection treatments can both slow down the rate of degeneration of a knee that has osteoarthritis and significantly reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort by healing the supporting soft tissue, reducing inflammation, and providing added stability to the joint.


The bottom line is, a thorough physical examination and comprehensive radiological imaging is necessary to determine the actual cause of discomfort, decreased mobility, and whether a surgery is necessary due to significant loss of cartilage in the knee.  

Optimizing Your Regenerative Treatment

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About Dr. Darrienne Slater

It is my passion to help patients find their unique homeostasis and lead them toward fostering a healthier and more supportive lifestyle that will help prevent continued injury and degeneration.

In clinical practice, I have been fortunate to specialize in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, focusing primarily on treating joint and spine conditions. Due to this speciality concentration, I have treated thousands of different orthopedic concerns over the years. Through continuing education opportunities, I am perpetually learning and enhancing my skills in areas of musculoskeletal ultrasound education, radiology, and orthopedics.

Each individual has their own story, and similarly, they have their own unique healing capacity and journey toward recovery. I love establishing meaningful relationships with my patients, getting to know their goals and history, and using this education and experience to help them heal.

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