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What Is Tricompartmental Arthritis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Tricompartmental arthritis involves all three of the anatomical compartments of the knee joint. It can cause significant joint pain and stiffness, as well as instability; it tends to be more common in older adults, because it represents an advanced progression of disease. Treatment options can include conservative measures like medication and physical therapy, along with surgery. A full knee replacement may be necessary to adequately address the condition and restore mobility for the patient.

Known as the patellofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and medial tibiofemoral joints, the compartments are the point where different aspects of the knee joint meet up. These include the femur, the long bone in the thigh; along with the tibia, the long bone in the lower leg; and the patella, the kneecap. Knee arthritis typically starts in one compartment and can, over time, spread to the others, eventually causing tricompartmental arthritis. Inflammation in the knee may damage the bone, strain the ligaments in the knee, and cause chronic pain which can grow worse in cold, damp weather or while exercising.

Tricompartmental arthritis is more common in older adults.
Tricompartmental arthritis is more common in older adults.

Diagnosis of the condition requires a careful physical examination of the knee and medical imaging studies. In pictures, it is possible to determine which parts of the joint are degenerated, and to assess the extent of the damage. This information can be important for a treatment plan. If the patient’s knee is clearly severely damaged, it may be advisable to move forward with surgery to address the issue, rather than trying conservative treatment. Low-level inflammation may be treatable with medications, gentle stretching, and other conservative measures.

Physical therapy may be helpful in treating tricompartmental arthritis.
Physical therapy may be helpful in treating tricompartmental arthritis.

Ongoing monitoring may determine if the patient’s tricompartmental arthritis is responding to treatment. Some cases may be manageable with conservative measures, while others may get progressively worse. In these instances, surgery may be recommended, unless there are significant contraindications. Older adults with limited mobility because of other issues, for example, may not be good candidates for surgery.

Tricompartmental arthritis can cause knee joint pain and stiffness.
Tricompartmental arthritis can cause knee joint pain and stiffness.

Surgically, one of the best options for tricompartmental arthritis can be a full knee replacement. Medical professionals typically only recommend surgery when other options are no longer viable because the joint is too degenerated, and replacing it may be the most efficient choice. In a replacement, a surgeon can enter the joint, cut out the damaged bone, and implant an artificial knee. The patient will need to spend some time recovering, including in physical therapy sessions to rebuild strength and flexibility around the joint, but should enjoy increased mobility and comfort after the knee is fully healed.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon994003

I've been advised to lose weight, participate in aquafit classes, use a stationary bike and elliptical machine as well as continuing physiotherapy for a year.

Markerrag
Knee replacement is a pretty traumatic surgery -- just ask someone who has gone through it and they will let you know in no uncertain terms. Are there ways that people can reduce their chances of developing arthritis later in life? Is there a suggested exercise program, diet or a combination of the two?
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    • Tricompartmental arthritis is more common in older adults.
      By: goodluz
      Tricompartmental arthritis is more common in older adults.
    • Physical therapy may be helpful in treating tricompartmental arthritis.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Physical therapy may be helpful in treating tricompartmental arthritis.
    • Tricompartmental arthritis can cause knee joint pain and stiffness.
      By: blas
      Tricompartmental arthritis can cause knee joint pain and stiffness.
    • Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing tricompartmental arthritis symptoms.
      By: Dave
      Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing tricompartmental arthritis symptoms.
    • Practicing yoga may help ease the symptoms associated with arthritis.
      By: magann
      Practicing yoga may help ease the symptoms associated with arthritis.
    • Tricompartmental arthritis may make some movements painful, limiting mobility.
      By: Monkey Business
      Tricompartmental arthritis may make some movements painful, limiting mobility.