Treatment for Knee Injuries
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Reisch employs the latest advancements in nonsurgical and/or arthroscopic surgical treatment, to expedite recovery time, and to minimize the risk of complications, following a knee injury such as a sprain, strain, tendon tear, or fracture. Non-invasive treatments for painful knee injuries at Encino Orthopedics may involve physical therapy, bracing, PRP or Synvisc injections or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery performed as an outpatient procedure.
ACL Tear
ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries sustained. ACL tears generally occur in conjunction with additional damage to the cartilage, the ligaments within the knee, and to the meniscus, as well. ACL is an abbreviation for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and is one of the four primary ligaments within the knee.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is typically referred to as "torn cartilage." Positioned between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia), a meniscus tear typically requires arthroscopic surgery, as this tear in the knee is not likely to heal on their own.
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury sustained to the connective tendon that joins the patella - also known as the kneecap - to your shinbone (tibia). The function of the patellar tendon is to trigger the muscles at the front of the thigh so that your knee is able to extend, resulting in the ability to run and jump. Patellar tendonitis is also called "jumper's knee," in reference to the activities that often instigate injury to the patellar tendon, such as basketball.
PCL Strain/Sprain/Tear
Tears of the PCL - which stands for the Posterior Cruciate Ligament - occur far less frequently than those of the ACL, often because patients in Los Angeles County who have a PCL tear may not be aware of their injury. Compared to other ligament tears, PCL tears do not cause a high level of knee pain or knee instability.
MCL Strain/Sprain/Tear
Similar to ACL tears, a tear of the Medial Collateral Ligament, or MCL, is often severely painful. The function of the MCL is to regulate the side-to-side movement of the knee, assuring that it maintains a safe and appropriate range of motion.
LCL Strain/Sprain/Tear
The Lateral Collateral Ligament is located along the outside of the knee and is injured less frequently than the MCL. When an injury to the LCL occurs, it is generally a result of impact made to the inside of the knee, followed by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the same area.
Patellar Tendon Ruptures
Though severe, patellar tendon ruptures - also called patellar tendon tears - are relatively common. Common accidents like slips and falls are often the cause of patellar tendon ruptures, and usually lead to an inability to fully extend the knee.
Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
Though quadriceps tendon tears are relatively uncommon, they can be inhibitive and debilitating when it comes to walking and putting weight on the injured leg. The functional role of the quadriceps tendon is to work with the muscles of the frontal thigh region so that a full leg extension can be achieved. Quadriceps tendon ruptures are commonly experienced by Los Angelenos of all ages.
Patella Fractures
Also known as the kneecap, the patella is small bone at the forefront of the knee joint where the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone) meet. Not only does the kneecap protect the knee, it also connects the thigh muscles to the lower leg muscles, allowing a full range of motion.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
The tibial plateau is one of the most critical, loadbearing areas in the body. When the upper area of the shinbone - also called the tibia - fractures, it may cause improper knee alignment, instability, and a lack of range of motion.
Tibial Shaft Fractures
The tibia, also known as the shinbone, bears an immense amount of weight when supporting the body. When a tibial shaft fracture or break occurs, it is usually due to a high impact accident or injury, such as a car accident or serious athletic collision.
