Will bone spur on my knee require surgery? i have a spur on the my knee , fluid has started to build up and the pain is excrutiating .i have to see a ortho . dr. what are the chances surgery will be required and what does the after care consist of?

A : A "bone spur" is a symptom of another process. On its own, it is not a problem. Most of the bone spurs we see around the knee are from arthritis. Arthritis can be managed without surgery for many people. You can try things like bracing, physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammatories, heat, ice, creams and rubs, and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate. If you cannot manage your symptoms without surgery, then some form of knee replacement can be helpful. You may or may not be a candidate depending on your age, weight, mobility, and general health. Other causes of knee pain, unrelated to the spur, include meniscal tears, acl tears, ligament tears, and various benign growths. Only very rarely do cancers occur around the knee and they are more common in adolescents, though still rare. You are correct that you need to see an orthopaedic surgeon. He/she should be able to answer your questions once you have been fully evaluated.