Knee

Knee Orthopedics

Surgical vs. Conservative Care Options

During the patient’s initial consultation, the surgeon will gather as much information as possible to best determine the pros and cons of surgical vs. conservative care options. For example, a young athlete with a torn ACL is more likely to opt for ACL reconstruction so that they could remain active, vs an older patient with a sedentary lifestyle.

Conservative Care Options

Ligaments unfortunately do not heal without surgery. However, non-surgical treatment can allow patients with a low level of physical active to life a normal and pain free lifestyle. If the knee is stable, your doctor may recommend conservative care options such as injections, physical therapy and/or home exercises.

Surgical Options

Most ACL tears cannot be sutured or sticked back together. A tissue graft is often necessary to act as a scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. ACL grafts can be taken from the patellar tendon, the hamstring, the quadriceps tendon or from a cadaver allograft. Dr. Mora discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each graft source to utilize a surgical technique that is best suited for each patient’s needs and circumstances.

The ACL repair procedure is performed with an arthroscope using small incisions. The use of arthroscopic surgery is less invasive, which leads to less pain, less time spend in the surgical center and quicker recovery times.

Rehabilitation

Dr. Mora has established evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for each of his surgeries which he will share with the physical therapist of your choice. A therapy program is crucial to regaining strength, balance, and flexibility of the joint to prevent future injury.

Arthroscopic and other Minimally Invasive Knee Surgeries

Articular Cartilage Restoration

Articular cartilage is a smooth white tissue that covers the ends of bones to protect them and decrease friction when people are moving through normal ranges of motion. This cartilage can be damaged due to injuries or worn down over time due to wear and tear. Surgical techniques have been developed to help clean up rough surfaces and shave down lose pieces and frayed tissue to allow smoother range of motion and prevent further wear or arthritic change to the joint.

Common Knee Procedures includes:

Microfracture – Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Debridement – Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Bone Marrow Injections – Removal or repair of torn meniscus
ACL/PCL Repair – Draining excess fluid from the knee

Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement

Mako SmartRobotics ^TM by Stryker for Total Knee Replacement (TKR). Advances in medicine and technology have come together to provide our patients with a cutting-edge procedure to help perfect a common knee surgery, the total knee replacement. Total Knee Replacements are at times necessary in instances when pains from moderate to severe arthritis are not being helped by therapy or injections. By uploading a CT scan of the patient’s knee to the robot the surgeon then uses the robot to make precise cuts down the millimeter. Qualified patients can experience less time in surgery and faster recovery times. Patients are able to walk and start physical therapy hours after the surgery has been performed.

Other Procedures Performed