Orthopedic doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal structure, which covers the bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and tendons throughout the body. Different orthopedic specialists may specialize in a specific area, like orthopedic knee specialists focus on the causes of knee pain and provide care for conditions affecting the knee joint.
What is an Orthopedic Knee Specialist?
An orthopedic knee specialist is a type of orthopedic doctor who is trained to provide diagnosis, treatment, and surgical treatments for knee pain. These specialists are usually orthopedic surgeons, trained in both knee surgery and non-surgical knee treatments. They may also provide orthopedic sports medicine (called a sports medicine doctor) and treat other areas of the musculoskeletal structure.
To diagnose knee conditions, orthopedic knee specialists use a combination of physical examination, medical history assessment, and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. They may also order blood tests and perform diagnostic arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint.
Knee Conditions An Orthopedic Specialist Treats
An orthopedic doctor who specializes in the knee is qualified to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the knee joint, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
- Meniscus tears: Injuries to the meniscus, which are C-shaped cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers in the knee.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries: Tears or sprains of the ACL, a crucial ligament that stabilizes the knee joint.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries: Injuries to the PCL, a ligament that helps stabilize the knee.
- Collateral ligament injuries: Injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) that provide stability to the sides of the knee.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals deposited in the joints, including the knee.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Also known as runner's knee, this condition involves pain around the patella (kneecap) and the surrounding area.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones and soft tissues in the knee.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as patellar tendonitis.
- Fractures: Breaks in the bones of the knee, including the femur, tibia, and patella.
- Cartilage injuries: Damage to the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint.
- Malalignment issues: Problems with the alignment of the bones in the knee, which can contribute to various orthopedic conditions.
Knee Care & Treatments Orthopedic Surgeons and Specialists Provide
Orthopedic surgeons generally provide care for their specialty rather than only surgical treatment. For doctors who specialize in the knee, they provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and rehabilitation programs designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and encourage overall joint health.
- Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter medications to manage pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics.
- Bracing and Orthotics: Knee braces or custom orthotic devices that provide support and stability and alleviate pressure on specific areas of the knee.
- Injections: Intra-articular injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint lubrication.
- Physical Modalities: Therapeutic interventions, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy, to promote healing and reduce pain.
- Osteotomy: A surgery involving the repositioning of bones to correct alignment issues in the knee.
Surgical Treatments
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint to diagnose and treat various conditions, such as repairing torn menisci, removing loose bodies, or addressing cartilage damage.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Surgical repair or reconstruction of damaged ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Meniscus Repair: Surgery to repair or remove damaged portions of the meniscus.
- Cartilage Restoration: Techniques such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral grafting to manage cartilage defects or damage.
- Partial or Total Knee Replacement: Surgery to replace part or the entire knee joint with artificial implants, usually recommended for severe arthritis or joint damage.
- Tendon Repair: Surgical repair of damaged tendons, such as the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon.
Why Choose Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedic Specialists?
Our knee surgeons and doctors at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics have completed additional training, specifically in the knee. With this training, Dr. Camille L. Connelly, Dr. Jacob Gorbaty, and Dr. Kenneth Oates have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your knee injury or condition individually to your needs.
To consult with one of our knee surgeons or doctors, please request an appointment online or call (360) 424-7041.