The knee is very crucial to the mobility of the lower extremities.  There are various knee conditions or disorders, which may result in knee pain, limitation in the range of knee movement, difficulty in bending of the lower extremity, kneeling and walking. This includes debilitating joint pain and knee instability, such as, knee popping, locking or giving out. These may be reasons why individuals seek out knee surgery.

• Worn joint surfaces

• Gout

• Unusual bone surface

• Knee fracture

• Knee deformity

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Hemophilia

Knee Surgery Techniques

Several knee surgery techniques are available that may correct the knee impairment, as well as, relieve knee pain and discomfort. The right approach for you depends upon numerous factors following a Q and A session with your orthopedic specialist.

Knee Surgery for the Consequence of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Unusual Bone Growth, Knee Fracture and Deformity or Hemophilia.

Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as, Knee Arthroplasty or Knee Resurfacing is a procedure that primarily involves treating the surface of the knee.  It involves the removal of the worn joint surfaces and replacement with prosthesis (either metal, plastic or a combination thereof).  The procedure serves to ultimately replace the knee joint surface. Knee Replacement Surgery is considered one of the most successful surgical procedures.

Knee Arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and curative procedure.  Through small incisions made in the knee area, the surgeon is able to insert an arthroscope which allows visualization of the inside structure of the knee to aid in the diagnosis of the knee problem.  Should there be a need to conduct further surgical intervention or repair, the surgeon can use other instruments, such as scissors, lasers or motorized shavers which can pass through the small incisions.  Knee Arthroscopy is ideal for removal of loose fragments of the knee cartilage or bone and diseased synovial tissue.

Meniscectomy is a specific arthroscopic procedure to repair or remove torn meniscus cartilage. 

Knee Arthroscopy and Meniscectomy are two of the most common procedures performed in the knee area. 

Surgery for Degenerative Disorders, Trauma affecting the Cartilage with Debilitating Symptoms

Chondroplasty is performed to repair and smooth damaged cartilage of the knee.  Currently, this procedure is most often performed using arthroscopy and uses techniques, such as cutting, scraping and laser removal of damaged cartilage tissues.

Torn ACL Knee Ligaments

Ligament Reconstruction is commonly performed via arthroscopy using a tissue graft to reconstruct torn ligaments.  The torn ligaments are first removed. Then, replacement of the ligament is performed using the graft tissue.  Grafts used maybe an autograft, allograft or synthetic tissue.

Ligament Reconstruction is most commonly performed to repair anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.  The ACL is one of the major stabilizers of knee joint.  In most cases of injury or trauma including sports injury, the ACL is usually the affected ligament.

Outcome

The good news is that the outcome from knee surgery is often welcoming. The techniques have passed a test of time for safety and efficacy overall. There are factors to consider when thinking about knee surgery, including, the orthopedic surgeon’s track record of success, recovery time, coping skills to manage a suboptimal outcome should one arise and the longevity of results.   

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.