We don’t often think about our knees until they aren’t functioning the way we need them to, and once our knees are in pain, they can be extremely difficult to deal with. Often, knee pain can be addressed with a combination of medicine, rest, and physical therapy, but there are plenty of times when these conservative approaches are unsuccessful and the only remaining option is surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons can provide relief through a variety of types of surgery depending on the source of the pain, the conditions that led to the issue, and more. Working with an experienced specialist to identify the best treatment option is an important first step towards getting back on your feet without having to endure constant or debilitating knee pain. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area.
Different Knee Surgeries
The following are a few of the most common knee surgeries that each treat a different issue depending on the cause of the problem. Your doctor will have you go through a battery of tests and scans in order to determine the issue before moving forward with plans for surgery.
ACL Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is a strong band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone under the kneecap. When the knee is forced in the wrong direction it can cause the ACL to tear, often with a popping sensation. These injuries are typically caused by activities that involve rapid changes in direction like basketball, soccer, or skiing. ACL reconstruction will repair the damage to this essential ligament so you can get back to your active lifestyle.
Knee Replacement
When the cartilage and bones in the knee are so damaged that repairing them is out of the question, an orthopedic surgeon may opt to replace the entire knee. This surgery replaces the damaged bone as well as the cartilage with an artificial joint. Many people who get knee surgeries report feeling like their replacement knee is more reliable than they ever remember their knee being before the operation, so while this is a very invasive surgery, there are enormous upsides.
Meniscus Repair
The menisci are pieces of cartilage that provide a cushion between the thigh and shin bone. When the knee is twisted or forced, the menisci can be torn, leading to serious pain in the area of the kneecap. A meniscus repair surgery can help to restore the use of your knee by strengthening the affected cartilage and restoring your strength and mobility.
Lateral Release
When the kneecap is dislocated, the ligaments will also come out of alignment and can cause great pain. This procedure realigns the kneecap and supports the ligaments to the area so it can return to its normal functional range.
Risks of Knee Surgery
An orthopedic surgeon will often opt for arthroscopic surgery, meaning that the only incision made will be big enough to accommodate a tube with a camera and surgical instruments through the same opening. This reduces the risks associated with large incisions, but there will always be a risk of infection, blood loss and clotting, nerve and soft tissue damage, or replacement joint failure. However, working closely with your doctor to follow a strict recovery plan can help reduce these risks.
You and your doctor will work closely to go through your medical history and identify any unique risks that could pose a threat to your recovery.