Orthopaedics & Spine Injury

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to the joint. Cartilage is a soft, gel-like padding between bones that protects joints and facilitates movement.

Most orthopedic injuries and conditions are treated without surgery, using a range of treatments that include activity modification, physical therapy and medications. Surgery is an option for certain orthopedic problems and often for those conditions that do not alleviate patient symptoms.

Arthroscopic Surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure in which the surgeon uses a small (think of a camera the diameter of a pencil) high-definition, fiber-optic camera to perform surgery through small incisions. Arthroscopy is also used to diagnose and treat virtually all joint problems, including those of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. It affords visualization that permits treatment of most conditions in the least invasive manner. Because arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, injury to soft tissues is avoided, facilitating quicker and less painful recovery times. Most patients go home the same day they have surgery.

Knee replacement surgery can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. During knee replacement, a surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replaces it with an artificial joint.

People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. They also may experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest.

Age is not an issue if you are in reasonable health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You may be asked to see your personal physician for his/her opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery.

Most Knee patients will be hospitalized for five to six days after their surgery. There are several goals that you must achieve before you can be discharged. Our Preventive & Rehabilitative Medicine physicians will evaluate your progress two days after the surgery and recommend rehabilitation stay if necessary. The stay may last anywhere between 3 days to 2 weeks.

Yes, for about 3 weeks, it is recommended that you use a walker or crutches. The hospital will help provide these items if necessary. Most patients can use a cane for three to four weeks after the walker or crutches are discontinued. Your physical therapist will help to determine when you will advance from walker to cane to no assistance.

You will be seen for your first post operative visit, 6 weeks after the surgery. The frequency of follow up visits after that will depend on your progress. Many patients are seen at six weeks, four months and then at a yearly basis.