Common Knee Problems

Problems of Bone and Cartilage Degeneration Alignment problems, wear and tear to the knee joint, and systemic diseases such as osteoarthritis, may contribute to degenerative changes to the joint surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (large lower leg bone). Advanced stages of degeneration include the formation of bone spurs call osteophytes.

Pointed bone prominences, called osteophytes, occur in response to the joint degeneration. These growth are frequently seen in those joints undergoing arthritis changes. The normally smooth articular cartilage is worn away due the joint instability and inflammatory process.