Many long-term outcome studies show that a well balanced and fixated total knee replacement can last 20 years in over 90% of patients. While it will take another 20 years to determine if newer technology has led to longer survival, new technology like robotic assisted and computer aided real time implant positioning software assures perfect […]
Category: Ask the Doctor
These posts have been created in response to questions submitted from the “Ask the Doctor” form on our home page or via submissions to our “Ask the Doctor” form.
In a 2002 study, 75 patients ( 100 knee replacements ) were queried about whether they could kneel 6 months after a knee replacement. Approximately two-thirds of the patients could kneel with little or no discomfort. Approximately 25% could not kneel due to pain. Over 50% of patients avoided kneeling because of uncertainty or recommendations […]
This is a common question, and I am not sure I have a great answer. Running requires impact loading of the lower extremities, including the knees. For some people that have knee malalignment, meniscus deficiency, cartilage erosions or genetic defects in cartilage, knee instability, and those that are carrying too much weight, then the repetitive […]
There is no specific timeline for a return to sports after ACL reconstruction. We know that the tendon graft takes many months to heal, remodel, and become a ligament. 6 months would be the earliest that a patient could return to cutting and jumping sports, but we use functional testing in order to determine if […]
The knee has two different types of cartilage: articular cartilage, the substance on the ends of the bones, which allow for a smooth articulation, and the meniscus cartilages, or shock absorbers, that are between the two bones of the knee. Tears of the menisci are the most common orthopedic disorder treated by orthopedic surgeons. A […]
I have to assume that you mean the biceps tendon in your upper extremity. There is a hamstring tendon in the thigh called the biceps femoris, which can tear at the origin in the pelvis or at its attachment on the fibula at the knee. In the upper extremity, the biceps muscle has two tendons […]
Cortisone is the generic name for a host of different injectable corticosteroids. These substances have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the location of the injection. They can be injected into many different locations in and around the shoulder. By helping to reduce inflammation, they also then provide pain relief. Cortisone injections, however, […]
When a patient develops disabling symptoms as a result of arthritis, tumor, or other condition that destroys the joint, a joint replacement can be considered. Arthritis is the most commonly seen in the knee and knee replacements are then the most common joint replacement. However, shoulder replacements are also available for patients that develop […]
While there are certainly patients that have a rotator cuff tear with no symptoms, most patients report an aching or throbbing discomfort along the lateral aspect of their shoulder. The pain is worse and becomes sharper with activities overhead and away from the body. Pain that awakens them at night is classic and very common. […]
The labrum in the shoulder is a cartilage “ring” that is circumferentially attached to the periphery of the glenoid, or shoulder socket. Tears of the labrum occur in different areas depending on the injury and diagnosis. A return to sports after a labral repair is dependent on the sport or position, the potential for reinjury, […]