THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 8 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2026 theconnectionsnj.com HOLY CROSS CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUM OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH 145 Mount Airy Rd. | Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (908) 766-0079 | www.holycrosscem.com hat Does “Bone-on-Bone” Knee Pain Really Mean? “Bone-on-bone” is a phrase many patients hear after a knee X-ray shows advanced loss of joint space, often signaling osteoarthritis. Many believe this diagnosis means their knee is beyond help and replacement surgery is their only option. At Performance Ortho, we have challenged this assumption for over 25 years by developing comprehensive treatment plans that keep patients out of surgery while restoring function and mobility. Imaging is important, but it is only one part of the picture. Chronic knee pain may also come from inflammation, irritated tendons, weakened muscles or stress on nearby tissues. Two patients with similar X-rays can experience very different symptoms. That is why treatments should be based on the whole patient, not the image alone. Common Signs of Advanced Knee Arthritis Patients with bone-on-bone knee arthritis commonly report: • Deep, aching pain while walking or resting • Stiffness first thing in the morning • Difficulty with stairs, exercise, or daily activities Why “Bone-on-Bone” Does Not Automatically Mean Surgery A careful examination can identify which structures in the knee are generating pain and whether non-surgical care may still improve your quality of life. At Performance Ortho, care begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized plan. Our multidisciplinary team aims to combine targeted treatments like focused shockwave therapy, stem cell therapy, or other interventions based on each patient’s needs and goals. Focused Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Option for Chronic Knee Pain High-energy acoustic waves are directed to carefully selected areas around the knee. The treatment stimulates biological responses associated with circulation, tissue remodeling, and pain reduction without incisions or addictive pain medication. Because bone-on-bone knee pain is rarely one-dimensional, shockwave therapy may be paired with physical therapy and other innovative options. In select cases, a physician may also discuss regenerative approaches, including platelet-rich plasma or stem cell-based therapy. Dr. Mejia explains, “A bone-on-bone X-ray does not tell us everything about a patient’s pain or function. Our job is to identify every contributing factor and build a plan that may help the patient function better before just assuming surgery is the only path. If I have a patient with good range of motion and leg strength, I become encouraged that non-surgical treatments are a viable option.” Who May Be a Candidate for Non-Surgical Care? A non-surgical plan may be worth exploring for patients with chronic knee pain who want to remain active and are hoping to delay or avoid total knee replacement. The best candidates are identified through an examination, review of imaging and realistic goal setting. Next Steps If you have been told your knee is boneon-bone, you may still have options. Performance Ortho evaluates the full picture to determine whether shockwave therapy may be an appropriate treatment. Meet Your Expert: Dr. Joseph Mejia Dr. Mejia specializes in interventional pain management and non-surgical orthopedic care. He is triple board-certified with advanced training in regenerative medicine and minimally invasive spine procedures. Dr. Mejia believes every patient deserves a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their goals. His focus is on addressing the underlying cause of pain and helping patients move better and regain the quality of life they deserve. Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments No Referral Needed Medicare and Most Major Insurances Accepted MEDICAL MINUTES Bone-on-Bone Knee Pain Does Not Always Mean Knee Replacement By Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPMR, RMSK Medical Director, Performance Ortho Watchung W
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