Arthritis of the knee is wear and tear of the cartilage on the surface of the bones in the knee. The knee joint can be split up into three compartments. Most often, patients develop arthritis of all three compartments in the knee, but sometimes patients only develop arthritis in one compartment of the knee. Patients with arthritis typically complain of pain and stiffness in the knee. Often patients lose the ability to fully straighten and fully bend the knee. Often patients will notice that they are becoming bow legged or knock kneed. Treatment for arthritis of the knee can include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, partial knee replacement surgery, and total knee replacement surgery. Arthroscopic surgery has not proven beneficial for arthritis of the knee unless there is a specific mechanical problem in the knee that needs to be addressed.
Knee Ligament Injuries
The knee is surrounded by many ligaments. These ligaments can be injured by traumatic events. Some of the ligaments around the knee heal on their own, but others will not heal without surgical intervention. Patients with ligament injuries of the knee will require anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Even if surgery is required to reconstruct the ligament such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, it is important to have therapy prior to surgery to minimize inflammation.
Knee Meniscus Injuries
The knee has two meniscus or shock absorber cartilages. These cartilages can be torn causing pain and a locking sensation in the knee. Patients typically present with localized pain in one area of the knee. The diagnosis is usually made by MRI in a patient with normal x-rays of the knee. Treatment for meniscus tears can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections or arthroscopic surgery.
Failed or Painful Knee Replacements
There are many reasons for a knee replacement to fail or be painful. The diagnosis and treatment of a failed or painful knee replacement must be individualized based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings. Patients will often require imaging studies including x-rays, bone scans, CT scans and MRI’s to come up with a diagnosis. Patients will often also require blood tests and an aspiration of the joint in order to rule out an infection in the joint. Dr. Mayman will work with you to come up with the most appropriate treatment plan for your particular case.