Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine services for the knee joint
Meniscus Injury
The meniscus is an integral structure within the knee that has multiple functions including improving joint stability and motion. Injury to the meniscus includes both tearing within the body as well as the root attachments. Arthroscopic surgery with meniscus repair or debridement may offer restoration of knee function. Surgical options depend on the type and location of meniscal tear. In cases of complete meniscus injury, meniscus transplantation is a viable option in certain patients.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common athletic injuries that result in significant knee instability and loss of athletic function. Tears typically require surgical reconstruction using a variety of graft options. Reconstruction results in reliable restoration of knee function and may prevent further knee damage.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears often occur as a result of a direct anterior or hyperextension force on the knee joint. In isolation, PCL tears may be initially treated with physical therapy alone. However, when combined with other knee injuries or in cases of severe instability, surgical PCL reconstruction offers a reliable means of restoring knee stability and function.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears occur on the inner part of the knee joint and can happen from both contact and non-contact injuries. Depending on the tear location, some tears may heal without surgery while others require repair or reconstruction to restore joint stability.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears occur on the outer part of the knee joint and are often combined with other ligament or cartilage injuries. While some sprains may be treated with therapy and/or bracing, tears (especially combined with other injuries) can require surgical reconstruction.
Posterolateral Corner (PLC) Tears
Posterolateral corner (PLC) tears are the result of a combined injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteal tendon located on the outside and back part of the knee, resulting in significant rotational instability of the knee joint. Often underdiagnosed, these can be severely functionally disabling and lead to further knee injury. Reconstruction with grafting can restore stability and function in these combined injuries.
Patellar Instability
Patellar instability is a common problem that is usually the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting knee development combined with a traumatic injury. In certain cases, bracing and therapy alone restore kneecap stability, though certain patients may be at risk of recurrent instability that can damage underlying cartilage. In these cases, surgery may be recommended including options for ligament reconstruction and bony remodeling to prevent further injury.
Patellar Tendon Tears
The patellar tendon is located below the kneecap and is an integral component of the extensor mechanism that allows individuals to straighten their knee. Tears of the patellar tendon are severely functionally disabling and almost always require surgical repair in an expedited fashion to restore knee function. In missed or recurrent tears, grafting is also an option.
Quadriceps Tendon Tears
Similar to patellar tendon tears, quadriceps tendon tears can be significantly functionally disabling. The quadriceps tendon is located just above the kneecap. Complete tears almost always require surgical repair in an expedited fashion to restore knee function. In missed or recurrent tears, grafting is also an option.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is the result of progressive wear and loss of the cartilaginous surface of the knee, causing knee inflammation and leading to significant knee pain. Multiple treatment options exist, including physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery. Management options are individualized and depend on the severity of symptoms and treatment goals.
ACL Reconstruction with Meniscal Repair
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can cause significant knee instability and limit knee function. In this video we present a case of a combined ACL and medial meniscal tear with the accompanying arthroscopic footage of the meniscal repair and ACL reconstruction.