Osteotomy

• Osteotomy is a surgical procedure where a wedge of bone is removed from the shin bone or thigh bone to better balance the knee joint. One of the primary problems with knee joints is that cartilage, shock and friction-absorbing tissue found in many joints can wear out and decrease in abundance over time. The result can be joints that grind or sit unevenly, which can lead to faster wear and pain. By altering the way the bones meet at the knee, a surgeon can attempt to compensate for uneven wear in cartilage of the knees. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteotomy is commonly performed on people who are considered too young for total knee replacement but who are likely to eventually need total knee replacement in the future.
  
  

Braces

• Knee braces are a noninvasive way to assist the knee's stability and increase leg function. Specialized knee braces often consist of a metal framework that surrounds the knee with an artificial hinge, which does not allow the knee to move in a way that will cause damage to the joint. Some knee braces also hold the patella, or knee cap, in to help prevent tendonitis and other patella-related problems. Bracing can help reduce pain from arthritis. Using braces can stave off the need for surgery for many years.
  
  

Arthroscopic Surgery

• Arthroscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is carried out through small incisions or holes, rather than large slices in the skin with a scalpel. Arthroscopic surgery can benefit someone with a damaged knee in several ways that may eliminate the need for knee replacement. Doctors can cut away worn-out cartilage and attempt to smooth cartilage to reduce pain in the knee. Patients can often recover from arthroscopic surgery in a couple of weeks, and the procedure may not even require a hospital stay.
  
  

Knee Fusion

• Knee fusion is a last-resort procedure that can be used if knee replacement is unlikely to be effective at eliminating pain and increasing mobility. In a knee fusion, the bones of the lower and upper leg are permanently connected with pins or screws, with the leg in a partially bent position. Basically, the knee joint is removed, but instead of being replaced, the bones of the leg are fused so there will be no joint to bend, which can reduce pain from arthritis and other conditions.