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Knee

Knee surgery and knee replacement specialists

Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. The bones that make up the knee include the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). Other important structures that make up the knee joint include articular cartilage, synovium, meniscus, and ligaments. The articular cartilage e. This slippery substance helps your knee bones glide smoothly across each other as you bend or straighten your leg. The knee joint is surrounded by a thin lining called synovium. This lining releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction during movement. Two wedge-shaped pieces of meniscal cartilage act as “shock absorbers” between your femur and tibia. Different from articular cartilage, the meniscus is tough and rubbery to help cushion and stabilize the joint. Bones are connected to other bones by ligaments. The four main ligaments in your knee act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. In many cases injuries involve more than one of these main structures. Some of the main injuries involve, fractures, sprains, ligament tears and dislocations. Your surgeon at Beach Orthopaedics Specialty Institute is highly skilled in knee arthroscopy and complex reconstructions.
The video below can walk you through some of the common knee injuries to help you understand conditions and their treatments.

The BOSI team are specialists in helping you find relief through the following procedures that target various knee conditions:

Conditions Treated:

  • Osteoarthritis: Experience relief from chronic joint pain and stiffness, often addressed through partial or total knee replacement, either traditional or robotic.
  • Ligament Injuries: Whether it’s ACL, PCL, LCL, or MCL injuries, we provide comprehensive care, including ACL Reconstruction as well as MCL, LCL, and PCL reconstruction, to restore stability and function.
  • Meniscal Tears: Our specialists perform meniscal repair, including meniscal root repair  to alleviate pain and improve knee mobility.
  • Patellofemoral Disorders: Treatments are available for conditions affecting the kneecap and surrounding areas, tailored to your specific needs.
  • Cartilage Lesions: Complex cartilage issues, such as those requiring OATS, ACI, or microfractures, can be effectively managed to preserve knee function.
  • Knee Fractures: Expert care is available for fractures around the knee, ensuring a path to recovery.

Procedures:

  • Knee Arthroscopy
  • ACL Reconstruction
  • MPFL Reconstruction
  • Meniscal Root Repair
  • Treatment of Patellofemoral conditions
  • Treatment of Complex Cartilage lesions about the knee (OATS, ACI, Microfractures)
  • Meniscal Repair
  • PCL reconstruction
  • Partial Knee Replacement – Traditional & Robotic
  • Total Knee Replacement – Traditional & Robotic
  • Fractures about the knee
  • Treatment of Ligamentous knee injuries (LCL, MCL, ACL, PCL)

By addressing both the conditions and the corresponding procedures, we aim to provide clear and comprehensive insight into the care options available to you, ensuring a personalized approach to your knee health.

Understanding Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure with the goal of alleviating pain and restoring function. Contrary to popular belief, the entire knee isn’t swapped out; rather, the focus is on replacing the damaged surfaces of the bones within the joint.

Key Steps in the Procedure:

  1. Preparation of the Femur:
    • Surgeons begin by removing worn-out bone and cartilage from the femur (thighbone).
    • The bone is then meticulously shaped to accommodate a prosthetic metal component, which is fixed in place using a special type of bone cement.
  2. Resurfacing the Tibia:
    • Similarly, the tibia (shinbone) undergoes removal of degenerated tissues.
    • A metal baseplate and a durable plastic insert are crafted and attached to ensure smooth motion between femur and tibia.
  3. Addressing the Patella:
    • The patella (kneecap) undergoes realignment and, if necessary, is modified with a plastic component to ensure it tracks correctly with the new joint structure.

The result? A synthetic joint system designed to mimic a natural knee’s movement and reduce discomfort from joint degeneration. Through these precise steps, the goal is to provide a durable solution that improves the patient’s quality of life.

What Occurs During Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that aims to restore function and alleviate pain in a damaged knee joint. Contrary to popular belief, the knee itself isn’t entirely replaced. Instead, the procedure involves resurfacing the bone ends and fitting them with durable implants.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

  1. Resurfacing the Femur (Thighbone):
    • The surgeon begins by removing the damaged bone and worn-out cartilage at the end of the femur.
    • This section of the thighbone is carefully shaped to accommodate the new implant.
  2. Fitting the Femoral Component:
    • A metal alloy component is secured to the end of the femur, often using a special cement designed for bone adherence.
  3. Preparing the Tibia (Shinbone):
    • Similar to the femur, the upper section of the tibia is resurfaced.
    • Any deteriorated bone and cartilage are removed to provide a clean slate for the implant.
  4. Installing the Tibial Components:
    • The tibia is shaped to snugly fit both the metal tray and the plastic insert.
    • The tibial tray is then cemented in place, with a medical-grade plastic spacer inserted on top.
  5. Adjusting the Patella (Kneecap):
    • The patella is re-aligned to ensure a smooth movement with the newly positioned implant components.

Throughout this process, precision is key as the installed elements—crafted from metal and plastic—work together to mimic the natural movement of a healthy knee. This systematic approach not only eases discomfort but also enhances mobility, giving patients a renewed lease on life.

Typical Outcomes After Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Individuals who undergo total knee replacement surgery often experience transformative results. Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Pain Relief: A significant reduction in knee pain is one of the most immediate benefits. Many patients report feeling substantially more comfortable, enabling them to participate in daily activities more easily.
  • Improved Mobility: Within four to six weeks post-surgery, most patients regain considerable mobility. This newfound agility allows them to engage in day-to-day tasks with minimal discomfort.
  • Quality of Life Enhancements: With reduced pain and increased mobility, overall quality of life sees a marked improvement. Patients frequently note greater independence and an ability to enjoy activities that were once too painful.
  • Activity Recommendations: To ensure long-term success and knee joint longevity, it’s advisable to avoid high-impact sports. Activities such as jogging, skiing, tennis, or any sport involving contact or jumping should be limited.

In essence, recovery from knee replacement surgery offers a pathway to a more active, pain-free lifestyle, albeit with some lifestyle adjustments to protect your new joint.

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