I have been diagnosed with avascular necrosis on the lateral femoral condyle and osteoarthritis on the medial side of my knee as well as on the patella. I had a menisectomy last year.

I have been told to wear a brace that takes the weight off the AVN side, but that puts the weight onto the arthritis side and is excruciatingly painful. The doctor basically has said when I can't take the pain anymore he will replace my knee. Is this really all that can be done?

-- (forgetfulone@mindless.com), March 12, 2005