Do you have a lingering knee injury with pain that won’t just go away? It may be time for a knee procedure, but what kind? Knee injuries affect your movement and make everyday activities pain-filled and near impossible to complete. If your knee pain hasn’t subsided after firstly taking other non-invasive steps, such as physical therapy, weight loss, or conditioning exercise, your doctor may suggest surgery. Specific surgery type and candidacy qualification is a conversation for you and an expert such as those at Dines Orthopedics for those in need of a knee doctor in Uniondale, NY. If you:
- Cannot bend or fully extend your knee
- Cannot bear weight on your knee
- Hear a pop when you twist or turn a certain way
It may seriously be time to consider possible knee procedures for your ailment. Here are three of the most common ones performed by orthopedic surgeons worldwide.
Meniscectomy/Meniscus Repair
The meniscus is the C-shaped, shock-absorbing wedge of cartilage that sits on the tibia in the knee to provide a cushion with impact. Any sudden twist, turn, or collision can lead to a partial or complete tear of the meniscus. Damage to this cartilage leads to grinding the leg bones on both the outer and inner portions of the knee. This injury is common amongst athletes of all ages.
During a meniscectomy, a small incision is made on the knee, then the torn portion of the meniscus is removed. Sometimes the portion of the meniscus that is torn has a significant supply of blood. In this case, the doctor may choose to try and repair the torn pieces of the meniscus. They do this by sewing the damaged fragments back together. Surgery usually takes less than an hour.
Kneecap Surgery
For pain centered at the kneecap region, kneecap surgery can be done for many different reasons, with varying techniques. While sometimes the surgeon may perform open kneecap surgery, most of the time, it is done arthroscopically. This means it is done with tiny incisions, and long tools are used to get to the areas within the knee joint. Some reasons for kneecap surgery include:
- Releasing the retinaculum is done to allow the kneecap to be moved to its proper position and reduce pull on it.
- Releasing a plica band is done to reduce pressure on the knee joint, easing pain.
- Quad Transfer is done when the quad muscles are improperly aligned and interfere with the kneecap, hindering movement and needing adjustment.
- Total kneecap realignment
Knee Replacement
Done commonly for those with “higher than normal levels of knee pain,” knee replacement has been done since 1968 and is considered one of the safest and most effective orthopedic surgeries available. When the range of motion is practically nonexistent, and you feel pain even when trying the simplest of tasks like sitting or laying down, this procedure may be considered an option. The surgery includes:
- The removal of damaged pieces within the entire knee joint.
- Replacement with new pieces made of materials like metal, ceramic, or plastic.
On average, knee replacements last between 15 and 20 years based on the quality of material used. Since knee replacements do not last forever, your age will be considered for whether or not a doctor will recommend this procedure.
Contact Dines Orthopedics, Knee Doctor Uniondale NY!
Don’t let knee pain stop you or a loved one from doing what they love. Find a solution! Contact our experts at Dines Orthopedics for an expert knee doctor, Uniondale, NY, to help diagnose and treat your knee discomfort today!