Stage 1
Early wear
01
Clinical criteria
- •Mild cartilage thinning on imaging
- •Activity-related discomfort
- •Full range of motion
Indicated approach
Conservative management — weight management, biomechanical correction, orthobiologics.
The framework
The Knee Osteoarthritis Grading System.
KOGS is the diagnostic framework Dr Oosthuizen uses to stage knee osteoarthritis and match each patient to the right intervention — whether that is conservative care, a UKA, or a total knee replacement.
Stage 2
Focal unicompartmental wear
02
Clinical criteria
- •Wear isolated to one compartment
- •Intact cruciate ligaments
- •Neutral or correctable alignment
Indicated approach
Primary candidate window for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.
Stage 3
Multi-compartment progression
03
Clinical criteria
- •Wear in two or more compartments
- •Mild deformity
- •Functional limitation in daily activities
Indicated approach
Strategic assessment — total knee arthroplasty or staged intervention.
Stage 4
End-stage disease
04
Clinical criteria
- •Severe joint space loss
- •Established varus or valgus deformity
- •Constant pain at rest
Indicated approach
Total knee arthroplasty with full kinematic and alignment planning.
Next step
Not sure which KOGS grade applies to you?
Book a consultation and Dr Oosthuizen will review your imaging and stage your knee against the KOGS framework.
- Mon·JSH·06:30 – 10:00
- Tue·Wilgeheuwel·06:30 – 10:00
- Thu·JSH·06:30 – 12:00
Medical Alert · Emergency Care
Orthopaedic emergencies outside consulting hours
If you experience an orthopaedic emergency outside of consulting hours, please report immediately to the Casualty Department at either Johannesburg Surgical Hospital (JSH) or Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital for assessment and treatment. The casualty doctors will provide the necessary emergency care and arrange specialist orthopaedic referral if required.