Corticosteroids are steroid medications that are frequently used to help minimize inflammation. They can be administered orally, topically, or by injection into a specific area or intravascularly. In contrast to anabolic steroids, which are those steroids that are used to build muscle mass, corticosteroids are catabolic steroids, which “break down” as opposed to “build up”. […]
Tag: Knee
Stem cells are progenitor cells in the body that have the ability to differentiate into different cell lines, thus, the ability to generate bone, soft tissue, cartilage, and organ tissue. In the lab, cells can be made to differentiate and regenerate heart tissue, ear cartilage, etc. To date, modifying stem cells is not approved by […]
I think you are referring to hyaluronic acid injections. Orthopedic surgeons have been using hyaluronic acid injections to help patients with knee arthritis for more than 20 years. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is present in the human body with highest concentrations in joints and eyes. The substance gives joint fluid more viscosity and […]
This is a great question that I am frequently asked. Before I answer, it must be pointed out that supplements are different than pharmaceuticals, or drugs. For reasons of safety and patient’s interests, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has very stringent criteria and requirements for companies to bring a product to market. […]
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 […]
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 […]