KNEE CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT IN HUNTER VALLEY AND NEWCASTLE
People do not often consider how important knees are when it comes to performing common activities. Without your knees, the flexibility provided by the act of bending your knee would not be possible. Knees are the ones responsible for our ability to move with great ease and flexibility. Without a healthy knee, sitting on a chair, running, or even walking would be a constant struggle.
Since the knee is one of the most active parts of the body, it is also among the most at risk for injuries. Strenuous activities and unavoidable accidents cause strains, tears, and fractures at the knee area. Diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis also contribute to the weakening of your knees. If you are experiencing problems when it comes to your knees, it is advisable to approach your trusted orthopaedic centres as soon as possible.
Importance of Knee Surgery and Repair
Many people have a tendency to delay medical treatments, especially if the conditions are not too severe (or not too painful). They think that if they can still manage to perform their usual activities, then they are good to go.
However, the practice of delaying medical care is a poor health-seeking behaviour. Strains and tears, especially in the knee area where there is much movement and pressure, can result to even more severe cases if not treated quickly. To prevent your injuries from becoming worse, it is advisable to approach your trusted orthopaedic centres as soon as you can.
Surgical Procedures for Knee Injuries
Dr Geoff Workman offer’s the following procedures for knee injuries:
- Knee Arthroscopy
If nonsurgical treatment does not improve the painful condition of your knee, your surgeon will suggest that you undergo knee arthroscopy. It is a procedure that lets your doctor look at the knee join without having to cut open your skin. The doctor will instead insert in your knee joint a small camera known as arthroscope. During arthroscopy, your surgeon. The small camera is so small that your doctor only needs to make a small incision. The result is less pain, less stiffness of the joint, and less time to recover. Read More
- Total Knee Replacement
Also known as joint replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement surgery is recommended to those whose painful knee condition can no longer be improved through medications or the use of knee supports. Total knee replacement will help relieve pain and correct deformities so you can go back to your normal activities in a few months’ time. Note, however, that in this procedure, only the surface of the bones is replaced. Basically, there are four steps, namely: preparation of the bone, positioning of the metal implants, resurfacing the patella, and inserting a spacer. Read More
- Replacement of Total Knee Replacement
If the knee replacement implant has reached its maximum life and has ceased to be effective, your surgeon may recommend that it be replaced.
- Meniscal Repair
Patients with meniscal tears may be recommended to undergo a safe and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. It can be for suturing (meniscus repair), removing the torn meniscus (meniscectomy) that may be stuck in the knee joint and causing pain to the patient, or meniscus replacement.
- Osteotomy
Our surgeons utilise a system called Arthrex T3 AMZ which has been designed for realigning and unloading of the patella, and treating osteoarthritis as well as patellofemoral pain.
- Knee Multi ligament reconstruction
Multiple ligament knee injuries are often a result of dislocations from motor accidents or high
intensity sports. What happens usually is that the femur or thigh bone is separated from the shin bone or tibia. The best solution for this type of injury is reconstruction, and often, it can be complex and extensive. Your surgeon will discuss with you your situation and the pros and cons, if any, of this surgical procedure.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Here at Hunter Hip and Knee, we utilize the GraftLink technique in ACL reconstruction. It is a minimally invasive procedure which makes use of FlipCutter drill to create sockets through independent retro drilling of the femur and tibia. It likewise utilises a couple of TightRope fixation implants which boast of a 4-point locking system. This highly advanced procedure is highly effective and makes recovery definitely faster. Read More
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction
For those who have torn PCL may be recommended to undergo a PCL reconstruction. Our surgeons utilise the Arthrex TightRope technology along with a unique PCL TightRope technique with the 4-point locking system which assures a strengthened fix by resisting cyclic displacements. These PCL Inlay reconstruction techniques simplify graft preparation and have been found to be less morbid while being more effective.
- Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstruction
Many suffer from patellofemoral disease due to arthritis, trauma, or other factors. To help our patients who have patellofemoral disease, we recommend the MPFL reconstruction. This procedure aims to correct osseous deformity, reconstruct or repair soft tissues, or repair and replace damaged cartilage surfaces.
Contact Dr Geoff Workman for More Details
Hunter Hip and Knee is one of the most trusted orthopaedic practices in Newcastle and Hunter Valley. Our surgeons have years of experience when it comes to hip and knee cases. For further enquiries about our practice and on how we can help you, call us at 02 4963 3393 or send us a message at admin@hunterhipandknee.com.au.