Knee
Conditions We Commonly Treat
The knee plays a crucial role in most daily activities and athletic pursuits. Knee injuries are also quite common. Some are minor, while others are serious and potentially life-altering. Regardless of the condition from which you suffer, you can rely on our surgeons to accurately assess the situation and create a treatment plan that will get results. Some of the conditions we can treat include:
- Knee Arthritis/Pain/Fractures
- Knee Instability & ACL/Ligament Injuries
- Meniscus Tears & Injuries
- Cartilage Injuries/Defects
- Tendon Injuries & Bursitis
- Knee Cap Disorders
- Knee Alignment Disorders
- Pediatric Knee Conditions
Surgeries We Commonly Perform
We offer a range of medical procedures for those who are suffering from knee conditions. Whether you have an ACL injury or a different chronic condition, there is a surgical procedure that can help. We are skilled at performing these procedures:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Robotic Partial Knee Replacement/MAKO
- Knee Arthroscopy
- ACL/Ligament Reconstruction
- Meniscus Surgery/Repair
- Cartilage Restoration/MACI/OATS
- Knee/Patella Realignment Procedures
- Tendon Repair
- Fracture Care
Knee Replacement Surgery
Total or partial knee replacement surgery might be the next step if your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury and nonsurgical treatments are no longer working for you. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine.
These are the four basics steps in a knee replacement:
- Prepare the Bone – Damaged cartilage at the end of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
- Position the Implants – The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint.
- Resurface the Patella – The undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced. Depending on the case, the surgeon may choose not to resurface the patella.
- Insert a Spacer – A medical-grade spacer will be inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.
After your knee replacement, you will need to take it slow and avoid any risks that may cause you to fall. Our physiotherapist will provide at-home exercises that will assist you with your recovery. You will be able to stop using crutches or a walker within a few weeks. Most people resume normal activity within 3-6 weeks following surgery and resume driving 4-6 weeks after surgery.
ACL Surgery
A tear in your ACL ligament will cause your knee to give way during physical activity. We will assess the degree of injury to decide if ACL ligament reconstruction is right for you. With the help of arthroscopy, the torn ligament will be removed, and new tissue will be put in place.
Most people will be able to go home one to two day after surgery. You may require a knee brace and crutches for 1-6 weeks. Physical therapy will be required and can last up to 4-6 months. A full return to activities will take 4-6 months and a return to sports will take 9-12 months.
Potential Risks of Knee Surgery
Though complications can occur during knee procedures, most are minor and can be successfully treated. Potential complications include:
- Reaction/allergy to anesthesia
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Accumulation of blood in the knee
- Ligament, artery, or nerve damage
- Pain, weakness, or stiffness
- Excess scar tissue
- Bruising or swelling
- Loss of range motion
Preparing for Knee Surgery
Our surgeons may ask you to schedule a complete physical examination to make sure you are healthy enough to continue with surgery. We may also ask for preoperative tests, which can include blood test or an electrocardiogram. Make sure you let our surgeons know if you take any drugs, supplements, or herbs. You will often be asked not to drink or eat anything 6-12 hours before surgery.
High-Quality Medical Care With Integrity and Accountability
No matter what condition you suffer from, you can be certain you will receive stellar care from our surgeons. We take our role seriously and hold true to our mission, prioritizing clinical quality, integrity, service excellence, teamwork, and accountability. You can trust us to get you back on your feet again. Contact us at the Texas Institute of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine to schedule an appointment in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, TX, Grapevine, TX, and Flower Mound, TX.
Specialized Knee Treatments in Dallas and the Surrounding Areas
Navigating knee pain can be challenging, but the Texas Institute of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine is here to help patients in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a serious athlete or a weekend warrior, our specialized knee treatments and surgeries can restore your stability and minimize pain. We want you to maintain a mobile lifestyle, so we’ll address any of your knee injury concerns. We’ve compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below, but please call us with any others of your own.
Knee pain might occur due to various factors. Our team of specialists will consult with you to determine the root cause before suggesting any form of treatment. Understanding why your knee hurts is essential to finding a solution. Athletes may experience knee pain due to sports-related injuries, such as ACL tears or meniscus damage. Other common causes include:
- Overuse
- Sudden injuries
- Underlying conditions like arthritis
In addition to pain, knee injuries may present symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Some of our patients even experience a clicking sound or instability while walking. Recognizing these signs can lead to prompt treatment and prevent further damage.
Mild knee pain may resolve itself with rest and home care. However, persistent or severe pain typically requires professional knee treatment. Ignoring ongoing discomfort may result in worsening conditions. You should consult with our team of experts to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your knee injury concerns.
There are several signs that you should schedule a visit with us to address your knee pain. Early intervention can prevent complications. We encourage you to call if:
- Knee pain persists for more than a few weeks
- Knee pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, or warmth
- You experience difficulty bearing weight on the joint
- Your pain disrupts daily activities
We will outline all the instructions you’ll need before undergoing knee surgery. They may include abstaining from certain foods or medications and arranging transportation. Whether you need a total knee replacement, ACL surgery, or cartilage restoration, we’ll let you know what to expect before the procedure. Each process is different, so our doctors will ensure your comfort and understanding in the days leading up to surgery. Though complications can occur during knee procedures, most are minor and can be successfully treated. Potential complications include:
- Reaction/allergy to anesthesia
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Accumulation of blood in the knee
- Ligament, artery, or nerve damage
- Pain, weakness, or stiffness
- Excess scar tissue
- Bruising or swelling
- Loss of range motion
You’ll be under anesthesia during your knee surgery so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Our surgeons will make small incisions around the knee to access and repair any damaged structures. Depending on the type of surgery you need, it may take a few hours to complete. Afterward, our staff will take you to a recovery room where we can monitor vital signs and administer pain medication as needed.
After surgery, you may experience swelling and slight discomfort, so it is important to rest. These symptoms typically subside within a few days. We’ll provide guidance regarding when you can resume activities and exercises to perform to regain strength and mobility.
The knee surgery recovery timeline depends on several factors, including the procedure and a patient’s overall health. Many can resume normal activities within a couple of weeks, while others may require months of rehabilitation. We’ll provide a recovery plan that optimizes healing. It will likely include a combination of at-home exercises and physical therapy.
Following surgery, you will want to take extra precautions to maintain your knee health and prevent future pain. You can do so by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly performing exercises to strengthen muscles around your knee and enhance flexibility. Wearing proper footwear and using protective gear during athletic activities can also reduce your risk of knee injury.