What is the MISHA Knee?
Is the new implantable knee shock absorber a revolutionary treatment for arthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common condition that accounts for millions of doctors' visits yearly. The only true cure for OA is total joint replacement, which is a costly and invasive surgery. Could the MISHA knee system offer a less invasive alternative to total joint replacement for people suffering from OA?
What is osteoarthritis?
OA, in general terms, is the irreversible degeneration of a joint. This condition eventually leads to increasing amounts of pain and debility. OA can affect almost any joint in the body, but commonly targets weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
OA can arise as a result of trauma or repetitive use of a joint. People who damage their meniscus in the knee often spiral into OA much faster than those with healthy intact menisci. Still, many cases of OA simply arise alongside aging.
Patients with OA will feel progressive levels of pain and immobility as the joint surfaces continue to degrade. Within the knee, this causes the space…