Knee Osteoarthritis: 4 Stages and What to Do at Each | MIBRA

Gonarthrosis affects up to 30% of people over 60 years old. Early diagnosis and the right treatment choice at each stage — the key to preserving your joint.

Kellgren-Lawrence Classification

The international Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification assesses osteoarthritis based on X-ray findings. This is the standard used by orthopedic surgeons worldwide to determine treatment strategy.

Stage I (KL 1): Initial Changes

Cartilage begins to lose elasticity and thins. On X-ray — questionable narrowing of the joint space, possible isolated osteophytes. The patient experiences discomfort after activity, morning stiffness lasting up to 30 minutes.

What happens in the cartilage: proteoglycans are lost — molecules that retain water. Cartilage becomes less resilient, but still maintains its structure.

Optimal treatment: weight reduction, physical therapy, chondroprotective agents. MIBRAR® at Stage I — most effective: Lipogems® stem cells restore cartilage matrix, CGF reduces initial inflammation. Complete cartilage restoration is possible.

Stage II (KL 2): Progression

Cartilage thins significantly, definite osteophytes appear. Joint space narrowing is visible on X-ray. Pain with walking, crepitus (grinding), initial axis deformity.

What happens: collagen fibers in cartilage are destroyed, cracks appear. The synovial membrane is inflamed, producing excess fluid (effusion).

Optimal treatment: NSAIDs during exacerbations, physical therapy, hyaluronic acid. MIBRAR® — highly effective: stem cells fill cartilage cracks, growth factors suppress inflammation and stimulate chondrogenesis.

Stage III (KL 3): Pronounced Changes

Significant cartilage destruction, multiple coarse osteophytes, moderate joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis. Pain with minimal activity and at rest. Limping, varus or valgus deformity.

What happens: subchondral bone becomes exposed, cysts form. Thigh muscles atrophy due to limb protection.

Traditional approach: joint replacement. MIBRAR® — can be an effective alternative: Lipogems® provides partial cartilage regeneration, significantly reduces pain. Joint replacement can be delayed 5-10 years.

Stage IV (KL 4): Severe

Complete cartilage destruction, severe deformity, contracture, pronounced subchondral sclerosis. Joint space is virtually absent. Significant limitation of mobility.

Standard: total joint replacement. MIBRAR® may be used when surgery is contraindicated or to prepare the joint for replacement.

Why Time Is Your Greatest Enemy

Osteoarthritis is an irreversible process with standard treatment. Each year without regenerative treatment, cartilage loses 0.1-0.3 mm in thickness. At Stage I, MIBRAR® can completely restore cartilage. At Stage II — significantly slow and partially reverse the process. At Stage III — reduce pain and delay replacement. Don't wait for Stage IV — start treatment as soon as possible.