Knee Orthopedics
OKC Orthopedics Sports Medicine is highly skilled in minimally invasive knee surgery and repair, treating a number of knee problems, including tendon and meniscal tears, muscle injuries, arthritis, loose bodies and ligament tears (ACL, LCL, MCL and PCL).
Knees are responsible for carrying your body weight and supporting you while you run, jump, twist and turn. These actions all put additional strain on your knees, which make the bones, ligaments and tendons susceptible to injuries. A comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis is key to ensuring a proper treatment plan. Utilizing cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatment options, our skilled physicians at OKC Orthopedics will help you determine the best course of action to restore free movement and eliminate the cause of your knee pain.
What are common knee injuries?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament connects the thighbone to the shinbone at the knee. An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of this ligament, most commonly occurring during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. Symptoms include knee swelling, instability and pain.
Arthritis
When the protective tissue at the end of the bones (cartilage) in your knee wears down, it can causes arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic arthritis are the three main types of arthritis affecting the knee. Pain can begin suddenly, but in most cases, it develops slowly over time.
Knee Arthroscopy
When surgery is the best course of action, a Knee Arthroscopy is the best way to repair damage. This minimally invasive surgical procedure examines and sometimes treats damage of the interior of the knee using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed to evaluate and treat a variety of orthopedic conditions.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries
The lateral collateral ligament connects the thigh bone to the shin bone along the outside of the knee and prevents that part of the joint from opening or gapping. An LCL injury occurs when the knee bends inwards excessively, causing the LCL to stretch or tear. Pain and tenderness along the outside of the knee, along with swelling, are tell-tale signs.
Loose Bodies
Loose bodies are small, loose fragments of cartilage, bone or collagen that float freely inside the knee joint space. They can be the result of an injury or from generalized wear and tear over time. Depending on the severity of the condition, there can be one or many loose bodies inside the joint.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
The medial collateral ligament connects the thigh bone to the shin bone along the inside of the knee. An MCL injury typically occurs when the knee is hit on the outside, causing the MCL to overstretch and tear. These injuries are associated with pain and swelling around the knee joint, a feeling catching or locking inside the knee, and knee instability and buckling.
Meniscal Tear
The meniscus is a very small piece of cartilage that protects and cushions the knee joint in three different areas. When torn, it causes extreme amount of pain in the knee, especially when the leg the extended. Swelling and popping sounds in the knee are characteristics of a partial of total meniscus tear.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
The posterior cruciate ligament is located in the middle of the knee and prevents your shin bone from moving too far backward. Injuries occur when the shin bone is hit by an outside force while the leg is bent. Symptoms include swelling and pain the back of the knee, and in some cases bruising can occur.
How are knee injuries treated?
Treatment for knee injuries depends on the cause and includes surgical and non-surgical options. The experienced team at OKC Orthopedics uses advanced diagnostic technology onsite to pinpoint the cause of pain and assess the extent of the damage.
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