Knee Doctor in Central Louisiana
The knee is the body’s largest joint and is where three bones meet: the tibia, the femur and the patella. The knee is a “hinge” joint because it allows the leg to bend in one direction only. The knee is also able to supply enough strength for running, squatting, jumping, and turning, but it doesn’t have the available range of motion like other joints in the body. In fact, it has almost no ability to rotate.
The knee is a complex system of both supportive and moving parts, including bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Each part of the knee joint is subject to injury or disease. Because of this, treatment of knee-related injuries and disorders requires a set of distinct skills and experience. Mid State Orthopaedic’s knee specialists provide comprehensive knee care beginning with diagnosis and continuing throughout treatment and rehabilitation.
Common Conditions
- ACL Injuries
- Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain
- Arthritis
- Collateral Ligament Injuries
- Combined Knee Ligament Injuries
- Common Knee Injuries
- Meniscus Tears
- Patellar Tendon Tear
- Patellofemoral Arthritis
- Patellofemoral Pain
- Pes Anserine Bursitis
- PCL Injuries
- Prepatellar Bursitis
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Shin Splints
- Quadriceps Tendon Tear
Knee Replacement Surgery Options
Typically, arthritis is the most common reason for a 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, a knee replacement surgery may be necessary.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is reserved for patients who have chronic knee pain and very little range of motion. In most cases, several areas of tissue in the knee have deteriorated and caused the bones in the knee to rub together. The procedure is performed in four steps:
- Remove Damaged Bone & Tissue: Small amounts of bone under the kneecap as well as damaged cartilage surfaces at the end of the thigh bone are removed.
- Metal Implants are Positioned: Small metal components are fitted to the areas of bone where cartilage has been removed.
- The Kneecap is Resurfaced: In some cases, a plastic button is placed underneath of the kneecap to help aid proper motion between the two metal components.
- A Spacer is Inserted: A spacer is a shaped piece of plastic that is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth, gliding surface.
While this procedure won’t imitate a completely normal and healthy knee, it will provide pain relief, improve mobility and provide a higher quality of life.
Partial Knee Replacement
Usually done as an alternative to a total knee replacement, a partial knee replacement is typically performed when one side or one part of the knee has been affected by arthritis or injury. With a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee cartilage is removed and replaced with artificial tissue.
Compared to a total knee replacement, the knee better preserves range of motion and function due to the healthy tissue being spared. Because of the less extensive nature to this procedure, the recovery time is often much faster.
Osteotomy of the Knee
Over time, osteoarthritis can develop in a specific area of the knee if the bones do not line up properly. This can add stress to the inner or outer part of the knee. An osteotomy of the knee removes a piece of the bone in either the tibia or femur in order to reshape the knee in a way that relieves pressure. This procedure aims to:
- Relieve pressure on one area of the knee
- Correct improper knee alignment
- Prolong the life of healthy knee joints
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement
Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to preplan and assist your surgeon in performing your knee replacement.
