Knee injuries are extremely common among athletes at all levels due to the physical demands of their sports. At Great Lakes Orthopaedics in Garden City, Michigan, we specialize in detecting and treating these injuries in order for athletes to return to full performance as safely as possible. That said, in this article we will look at the most frequent knee surgeries done to restore knee function following sports-related injuries. Let’s get right into it…

An Overview of Knee Joint Injuries and Available Surgical Approaches

Knee joint injuries are common among athletes and individuals who are active, typically caused by high-impact sports, rapid movements, or repetitive strain. These injuries can range from small sprains to serious ligament tears, and each requires a unique treatment strategy to guarantee optimal healing and function. At Great Lakes Orthopaedics, we provide a wide spectrum of treatment options including surgical methods to properly treat different knee joint ailments.

Typical Knee Joint Damage

The following are some of the most typical knee joint injuries when it comes to sports-related incidents:

• Ligament Injuries: The ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL are the four main ligaments of the knee. These ligaments are frequently injured in sports, especially the ACL, which can cause discomfort and instability.
• Meniscal Tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage fragment that sits between the shinbone and thighbone, serving as a cushion. Tears can result from direct impacts or twisting movements, and they can cause discomfort, edema, and restricted mobility.
• Damage to Cartilage: Trauma or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis can cause damage to the cartilage in the knee joint. Pain and a reduction in joint function may arise from this injury.
• Patellar Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or alignment issues affecting the patella, or kneecap, can cause pain and limited movement.

Common Knee Surgeries for Sports-Related Injuries

While each knee injury requires individualized care, here are some of the common types of knee surgery in sports:

• Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses specialized tools and a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, to identify and treat damage to the knee joints. Meniscal repairs, cartilage restoration, and ACL reconstruction are common uses for arthroscopy.
• Ligament Reconstruction: This procedure replaces the injured ligament with a graft from the patient’s own body or from a donor in cases of serious ligament injuries, such as ACL tears. The goal of this procedure is to stabilize and function the knee again.
• Meniscal Surgery: Depending on the type and extent of the tear, meniscal surgery may involve replacing the damaged tissue or healing the tear. For these operations, arthroscopy is frequently utilized to guarantee accuracy and improve recovery time.
• Cartilage Restoration: In order to restore and regenerate damaged cartilage, improve joint function, and lessen discomfort, methods such as microfracture surgery, osteochondral autograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation are utilized.
• Partial or Total Replacement: Partial or total knee replacement surgery may be required in cases of severe joint injury. To restore function and reduce discomfort, this entails replacing the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic parts.
• Patellar Surgery: Depending on the nature of the damage, this procedure might involve stabilization, fracture repair, or realignment in order to restore proper function of the kneecap inside the knee joint.

Consult Our Medical Experts About Knee Surgery at Great Lakes Orthopaedics in Garden City, MI

To start living a pain-free, active lifestyle, make an appointment for a consultation with our knowledgeable experts in Garden City, MI. Simply give us a call or fill out a contact form with your information!

The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.