KNEE INJURY OVERVIEW
As the largest joint in the body, and one of the most complex, the knee plays an important role in one’s everyday life. If you are experiencing knee pain, simple tasks such as walking and standing may become difficult, so it’s important to diagnose and seek treatment in a timely manner.
Knee pain can be categorized as acute or chronic. An acute injury happens suddenly and is typically associated with trauma. An example is an athlete pivoting suddenly and tearing his ACL ligament in his knee. With a chronic injury, symptoms gradually worsen over time. Knee osteoarthritis is an example of chronic pain.
Common Conditions and Injuries
ACL Repair/Reconstruction
An ACL repair/reconstruction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats an ACL tear. Sano Orthopedics knee specialists use the latest surgical techniques and instruments to perform ACL repair/reconstruction procedures. Patients recover quickly and return to activities and sports with minimal to no restrictions.
Anterolateral Ligament (ALL) Repair
Anterolateral Ligament is a ligament on the outside of the knee that plays an important role in knee stability. It is often injured in most ACL tears.
Sano Orthopedics knee specialists are leading international research and techniques on ALL repairs.
Knee Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint, and osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis that affects the knee. Over time, the cartilage in the knee joint wears down. Without this protective cushion between the bones, bone-to-bone rubbing occurs which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.
Knee Replacements
Typically, arthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery to be performed. For those with severe joint deterioration in their knees, everyday life can be a struggle. Chronic pain from damaged knee cartilage can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs or even stand.
When medication and physical therapy fails to relieve knee pain and improve range-of-motion, knee replacement surgery may be necessary.
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Cartilage Restoration
Cartilage Restoration is a procedure where a patient’s knee is resurfaced, realigned and stabilized. It is used as an alternative method of treatment to a total knee replacement.
Articular cartilage is a firm and smooth covering on the ends of bones that protects and cushions the joint. Injuries to this cartilage can often cause pain and swelling. If partially or fully detached injured cartilage can cause mechanical symptoms such as “locking up or “catching.”
Cartilage restoration is especially effective in patients who are active and under 50 years of age.
Knee Sprains & Fractures
The major differentiation between a fracture in comparison to all of the aforementioned injuries is that a fracture signifies a break in the bone. Although typically very small, these fractures can result in a large amount of pain and potential complications.
There are several different types of fractures that a person can have, such as:
- An oblique fracture
- A stable fracture
- A compound fracture
- A comminuted fracture
- A transverse fracture
It is important to seek professional treatment for a fracture in order to set the bone properly before it begins to heal. A bone that has healed in an abnormal way will almost certainly cause long-term pain and discomfort for the patient.
Knee Injections
Orthopedic injections are a conservative, non-surgical treatment method for many experiencing knee pain. Depending on the injury, level of pain, and patient history, injections may be the right treatment. At Sano, we offer several injections, including orthobiologics. These include:
- Cortisone injections
- Viscosupplementation
- PRP
- BMAC
These in-office procedures alleviate pain and keep you moving.
WHY CHOOSE SANO?
We know that knee surgery isn’t always necessary, and is certainly not the first or only method of treatment. Our goal is to relieve pain and help restore the proper function and alignment of the knee with a treatment plan that fits your need. Our qualified team takes their extensive training and fellowship and puts them to use in developing a unique treatment plan for you. Not to mention, our physicians have been leading research in the United States for ligament injuries, so you can be confident in the approach our team takes in returning you to your active lifestyle.
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