Hip & Knee Pain Treatment Options | Dr. Scott Oliver

Hip and Knee Patient Education

Hip and knee pain treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis, a clear understanding of the condition, and the patient’s goals. R. Scott Oliver, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, founder and managing partner of Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, and Chief of the Center for Hip and Knee Replacement at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Oliver provides surgical and nonsurgical care, including joint replacement, injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other orthobiologic treatment options.

“I have been an orthopedic surgeon for more than 40 years, with a particular focus on hip and knee care, and I still genuinely enjoy taking care of patients.

Surgery remains a major part of my practice. Continuing to operate keeps me closely connected to every part of a patient’s care, including diagnosis, preparation and medical optimization before surgery, surgical technique, pain management, recovery, and long-term function.

At the same time, orthopedic care continues to evolve. Patients now have more options when they are not ready for surgery or want to explore nonsurgical treatment first. One area that interests me is orthobiologics.

I prefer the term ‘orthobiologics’ to ‘regenerative medicine’ because these treatments should not be presented as a way to regrow cartilage or create a new meniscus. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, use material prepared from a patient’s own blood. Some patients also ask about treatments involving processed adipose tissue. These approaches are being studied and used with the goal of improving symptoms and function, but their effectiveness varies, and they are not appropriate for every patient.

I believe in being straightforward about what each treatment can and cannot do. Cortisone injections may provide short-term relief. For some patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, PRP may improve pain and function for a period of time, but it does not work for everyone. Evidence supporting adipose-based treatments for arthritis remains limited, and these treatments should not be presented as a proven way to regrow tissue or avoid joint replacement.

Orthobiologic treatments are also commonly not covered by insurance. Patients should receive clear information about the cost, available evidence, potential risks, expected benefits, uncertainty, and established alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.

The most important part of treatment is matching the option to the individual patient. Sometimes the right answer is physical therapy. Sometimes it is medication or an injection. In selected cases, an orthobiologic treatment may be reasonable to consider. For patients with advanced arthritis, hip or knee replacement may still provide the most predictable improvement.

My goal is to help each patient understand the available options and choose a path that offers the best opportunity to remain active and live well.”

R. Scott Oliver, MD
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates

Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individual medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Orthobiologic treatments may involve uses that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating orthopedic conditions. Results vary, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.