Knee Surgery Specialist

What are the most common knee problems?

Your knee supports the weight of your body and endures extensive repetitive motion every time you move. It also withstands the extreme stress of quick starts and stops, turning, and jumping during athletic activities.

As a result, it’s no surprise that your knee is susceptible to injuries, repetitive stress, and degenerative conditions. A few of the most common knee problems include:

• Fractures and dislocations
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
• Collateral ligament injuries
• Patellar and quadricep tendon tears
• Osteoarthritis
• Runner’s knee
• Meniscus tears

Meniscus tears are often caused by sports activities, but you can also develop degenerative meniscus tears as you get older.

When will I need knee surgery?

Conservative therapies, such as immobilization and physical therapy, may help minor injuries. However, considering the pressure placed on your knee, if conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgery is often necessary to restore optimal strength and function.

Some types of knee problems are also more likely to need surgery. For example, leg bone fractures that extend into the knee joint are difficult to treat without surgery. Some parts of the meniscus don’t have a good blood supply, so they can’t heal without surgery.

What types of knee surgeries are performed?

The doctors at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center have extensive experience in performing arthroscopic and open knee surgery.

Arthroscopic knee surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that’s done using two or three small incisions. The surgical tools, including a camera and lighting, are contained in long, thin tubes that your doctor inserts through the incisions.

Your doctor may also perform arthroscopic surgery to explore your knee and diagnose the cause of your symptoms before doing surgery.

Arthroscopic knee surgery may be used for:

• Meniscus tear repair or excision
• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
• Articular cartilage damage (chondromalacia)
• Stiffness or catching after total knee replacement
• Patellar pain
• Loose bodies
• Synovitis

Open knee surgery

The traditional open surgery uses one incision that’s long enough to access the surgical area inside your knee.

Open knee surgery is used to treat:

• Patellar dislocation (medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction)
• Torn patellar and quadriceps tendons
• Reconstruction of collateral ligament instability
• Persistent bursitis
• Makoplasty partial knee replacement
• Cartilage resurfacing including Genzyme, OATS, fresh allograft, meniscus transplantation

If you have difficulty walking or are dealing with knee pain, swelling, or instability, call Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center or book an appointment online.