Knee

Sports Medicine

This Sports Medicine Service provides care patients with injuries of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and soft tissue injuries. This service treats all diagnoses such as rotator cuff injury, knee ligament reconstruction, cartilage defects and over-use injuries. 

Knee: The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily injured. It contains ligaments which control motion and brace the joint against abnormal types of motion, and cartilage which serves as cushioning to absorb shock during motion. Most knee ligament and cartilage injuries can be corrected with arthroscopic surgery.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament: When you twist or fall on your knee, the stabilizing ligament connecting the thighbone to the shinbone can tear. Like a braided rope, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) unravels when torn and will not heal on its own. Fortunately, minimally invasive arthroscopic reconstructive surgery can restore full function after an ACL tear.

Torn Cartilage: When people talk about torn knee cartilage, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus (rubbery cartilage which acts like a shock absorber). Treatment may include icing, rest, pain relievers and physical therapy. Arthroscopic surgery may be needed to correct the condition and restore normal joint movement.

Joint Replacement and Reconstructive Surgery

This surgical service specializes in hip and knee arthroplasty. Both primary and revision joint replacements are performed.  Advanced surgical techniques and materials are utilized to enhance implant longevity.  Although osteoarthritis is the most common condition for which total joint replacement can be beneficial, this service treats a variety of joint disease.  Other conditions include:  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Post-Traumatic Arthritis, Congenital Dysplasia, and Fractures.  Hip fractures of all types are managed using state-of-the-art surgical techniques and instrumentation.  Unicompartmental, or "partial-knee replacements," implanted using minimally invasive surgical techniques are also performed.

Total Knee Replacement:  If a knee has been severely damaged by arthritis or injury, over time it may become difficult to perform a simple task such as walking or there is pain while sitting or lying down.  Total knee replacement surgery may be necessary.  During the procedure, the damaged and worn knee is resurfaced in order to restore function, relieve pain and correct leg deformity.