Navigating Fall Sports Injuries: Basketball and Ice Skating Injury Care

As Fall wraps us in its chilly embrace, you can bet basketball courts and ice skating rinks across New Jersey are buzzing with activity. Whether you’re part of a school team, hitting the court for a bit of fun, or gliding across the ice with friends and family, these Fall sports are a great way to stay active. With all the excitement,  there’s also a chance of bumps, bruises, and sometimes more serious injuries. At AOSMI, we believe in patient education. We want to teach you about the more common Fall sports injuries, so that you are prepared and so that we can work together to get you back to your strongest self. 

Common Fall Basketball Injuries: 

Common Injuries: Some of the most common injuries in basketball are ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, both of which impact performance and long-term joint health.

Causes of Injury: Ankle sprains arise from the high-impact nature of basketball, particularly during rapid direction changes or awkward landings after jumps. ACL tears are often linked to abrupt stops, pivots, or sudden directional changes, exerting stress beyond the knee joint’s normal capacity.

Treatment and Surgery: Initial treatment for ankle sprains involves the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to reduce swelling. ACL tears may necessitate surgical reconstruction using the patient’s tissues or grafts. At AOSMI, we are on the cutting-edge of orthopedic treatment – as such, we offer the BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant that allows for natural healing without the need for grafts. 

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation: Post-surgery, physical therapy becomes pivotal in restoring strength, flexibility, and joint stability. Progressive exercises targeting muscle strength, balance, and proprioception form the core of rehabilitation, guided by physical therapists to ensure a gradual return to play, minimizing the risk of re-injury. At AOSMI, our physical therapists tailor their treatment plans to your unique injury, ensuring a personalized approach.

 

Common Fall Ice Skating Injuries: 

Common Injuries: Ice skaters frequently contend with fractures, particularly in vulnerable areas like the wrist and hip, because of the dynamic and sometimes acrobatic nature of the sport.

Causes of Injury: Falls on the ice, whether during jumps, spins, or routine skating, expose skaters to the risk of fractures. The hard frozen surface amplifies the impact, leading to fractures, especially in areas like the wrist and hip.

Treatment and Surgery: Immediate immobilization is important for managing fractures sustained during ice skating. Wrist fractures may require casting or splinting, while hip fractures may necessitate surgical intervention, involving plates, screws, or other fixation devices for proper alignment and stability.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation: Rehab for ice skating injuries takes a comprehensive approach. Range-of-motion exercises are crucial for regaining flexibility, while progressive weight-bearing activities aid in rebuilding strength. Physical therapists craft tailored plans, integrating exercises that address the unique challenges of ice skating injuries, with a focus on enhancing balance, coordination, and functional movement. This personalized rehabilitation aims not only to restore functionality but also to prevent future injuries, facilitating a safe return to the ice.

By addressing the specific Fall sports injuries associated with basketball and ice skating, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the season safely. At AOSMI, our team is committed to providing the highest quality orthopedic and physical therapy care to our patients across New Jersey.  If you are experiencing pain or injury from these sports, please request an appointment today. We are dedicated to helping you live a healthier, stronger life. 

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Michael Greller, MD, FAAOS, and Garret Sobol, MD, of AOSMI Are the First in Monmouth County, NJ to Perform Innovative BEAR Implant to Treat ACL Tears

Michael J. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS and Garret L. Sobol, MD holding the BEAR Implant and the BEAR stuffed teddy bear mascot Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common knee injuries in the United States – approximately 400,000 ACL injuries occur every year. Historically, orthopedic surgeons have had limited options in treating a torn ACL. In ACL reconstruction, today’s standard of care, the surgeon completely removes the remaining torn ACL and reconstructs it with either a tendon from the patient’s own leg (called an autograft) or a deceased donor (called an allograft).

At Advanced Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI), we are now offering a new technology called the BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant. The BEAR Implant is the first medical advancement granted approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that enables the body to heal its own torn ACL. This new approach is a paradigm shift from ACL reconstruction and is the first innovation in ACL tear treatment in more than 30 years.

AOSMI completed the first official procedure on November 15, 2022. Michael J. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who is Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine led the procedure. He was assisted by Garret L. Sobol, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who is also Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine.

“There are a number of advantages to restoring a ligament instead of replacing it, and the BEAR Implant is an exciting medical technology that is the first to clinically demonstrate that it enables healing of the patient’s torn ACL while maintaining the natural knee anatomy,” said Dr. Greller “Encouraging clinical studies have shown faster recovery of muscle strength and higher patient satisfaction with regard to readiness to return to sport than traditional ACL reconstruction – the standard of care today.”

ACL Injuries – An Overview

Man who was running, holding his knee in pain

Your knee joint is formed by three bones: the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the four main ligaments in the knee that helps to stabilize the joint. It is located in the center of the knee – it runs from the backside of the femur (thigh bone) to the front of the tibia (shin bone). The ACL is responsible for preventing the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, and helping to control rotational movements of the knee. 

The majority of ACL injuries are non-contact injuries – when athletes while running, rapidly change directions, stop or decelerate, or land from a jump without properly bending their knees. ACL injuries can also occur from direct contact to the knee joint. Most ACL injuries are complete tears, in which the ligament has been torn in half or pulled directly off the bone. 

Patients usually report hearing and feeling a popping sensation during the injury. After the tear, patients experience pain with swelling, instability of the joint, loss of full range of motion, tenderness, and discomfort while walking. 

ACL injury treatment is focused on preventing further knee instability and protecting the joint from further trauma. The two approaches to treatment are the non-surgical approach and the surgical approach. The approach is dependent on the extent of damage to the knee and the patient’s willingness to modify activity. Young and competitive athletes who want to return to activities that require aggressive jumping, cutting and pivoting or deceleration movements, and patients with meniscal tears usually pursue surgical reconstruction. Patients who have partial tears, do not have knee instability, and don’t partake in these “at-risk” movements can maintain their knee stability with physical therapy and rehabilitation alone. However, physical therapy is a core component of ACL treatment, surgical or non-surgical. For complete tears, surgery is usually recommended.

Standard ACL Reconstruction vs. BEAR ImplantDiagram explaining benefits of the BEAR Implant procedure. 1 - Preserves normal anatomy and function of the knee, 2 - does not require surgeon to take a tendon from another part of the body, 3 - higher patient satisfaction regarding readiness to return to sport and one-year pain and symptoms

ACL reconstruction surgery remains the gold standard of care. In this procedure, the surgeon takes tendon from the patient’s patellar tendon (patellar tendon autograft), hamstring tendon (hamstring tendon autograft), or from a human donor (allograft) to replace the torn ACL. 

Unlike reconstruction, the BEAR Implant does not require a second surgical wound site to remove a healthy tendon from another part of the leg or the use of a donor tendon. The BEAR Implant acts as a bridge to help ends of the torn ACL heal together. The surgeon injects a small amount of the patient’s own blood into the implant and inserts it between the torn ends of the ACL in a minimally invasive procedure. The combination of the BEAR Implant and the patient’s blood enables the body to heal the torn ends of the ACL back together while maintaining the ACL’s original attachments to the femur and tibia. As the ACL heals, the BEAR Implant is reabsorbed by the body, within approximately eight weeks.

 

BEAR Implant – Clinical Evidence

Safety and effectiveness of the BEAR Implant is supported by clinical evidence. As shown in Murray et. al 2019, IKDC scores, a patient-completed tool which contains sections on knee symptoms, function, and sports activities, from the BEAR Implant procedure was similar to that of ACL reconstruction two years post-surgery. AP Laxity, which measures stability of the knee joint, is the same as ACL reconstruction two years post-surgery. The BEAR Implant provides statistically better hamstring strength at 6 and 12 months, with the trend sustained to 2 years. BEAR Implant patients were also more likely to experience fewer contralateral ACL tears (tears in the non-injured knee) at two years. MRI indicates that the BEAR implant facilitates healing of the native ACL so that its size, geometry, and tissue composition are more like native ACL tissue than autograft. 86 percent of BEAR patients returned to pivoting sports by one year.

Risks and Limitations of the BEAR Implant

Following the BEAR Implant, patients are directed to follow the BEAR Implant physical therapy program. The BEAR Implant has the same potential medical and surgical complications as other orthopedic surgical procedures, including ACL reconstruction. These include the risk of re-tear, infection, knee pain, meniscus injury and limited range of motion. The BEAR Implant is indicated for skeletally mature patients at least 14 years of age with a complete rupture of the ACL, as confirmed by MRI. Patients must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia to construct the repair. The BEAR device must be implanted within 50 days of injury.

If you meet these criteria, you may be a candidate for the BEAR Implant procedure. To learn more about the procedure, request an appointment. If you have questions about ACL tears or if you are experiencing knee pain, contact us. With offices across New Jersey, the physicians and staff of Advanced Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute are committed to restoring your health so that you can get back to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible. To learn more about how you can benefit from expert orthopedic treatment, call us (732.720.2555) or request an appointment today.

 

Michael J. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS and Garret L. Sobol, MD, of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI). AOSMI logo pictured above

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A Promising Future In Sports After A Successful Surgery

Torn ACL

 

Christian Contreras developed a strong passion for soccer at just four year’s old. His father was a semi-pro soccer player, so his love for the game was something that was in his blood. He often dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player.

By age twelve, Christian gained recognition from top-tier programs in the state. At fourteen, he was scouted to play for Philadelphia Union Academy. During his three years with the academy, he was called up to national team combines allowing him to play at the highest levels for his age.

In March 2016, Christian tore his left ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) that was further complicated by pulled hamstrings.  These injuries set him back nearly 13 months before he could return to playing. The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse seeing that these were critical months for college scouting.

Despite the setbacks, Christian returned to playing competitively his senior year and with great excitement, he committed to Temple University, where he had hopes of making a name for himself quickly.

Spring and summer training prior to his first semester at Temple was rigorous. On June 5th, during an early Summer League game, Christian was dribbling in the midfield when two players tackled him for the ball. He jumped up to avoid their kicks and when he landed awkwardly on his right leg. He quickly got up and walked himself off the field. While in great pain, he was really hoping it wasn’t anything serious. He thought it was only a minor injury.

Christian sought the guidance of Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Gerardo Goldberger, from AOSMI in Freehold, NJ.  Dr. Goldberger brought in his colleague, Dr. Michael Greller, also a Sports Medicine specialist, who delivered the news that he had in fact torn his ACL once again.

Christian was devasted, but it didn’t take long for his despair to turn into optimism. Dr. Greller educated Christian on what caused his injury and how he was going to repair the ACL. The doctor gave him confidence that his procedure and recovery would go well and that he was likely to recover fully.

Post surgery, after five months of rehabilitation, Dr. Greller is very impressed with the way Christian is healing and he is expected to recover fully. His goal is to be cleared to play sometime early in the spring with the main focus of being at peak performance for the Fall season next semester.

Christian Contreras doing drills less than 4 weeks after ACL surgery.

Dr. Greller instills confidence in me every time I see him and I believe that by following his recovery plan, I will be as good as new by Spring,” notes Christian.

Childhood dreams of becoming a professional soccer player haven’t been derailed by injury. In fact, dreams may be closer to reality for Christian thanks to proper medical care and his lifelong passion for the game!

 

By Jeffrey White

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Anatomic ACL Reconstruction

Anatomic ACL Reconstruction with Endobutton Technique narrated and performed by Dr. Michael J. Greller, MD, CPE, FAAOS

Dr. Michael Greller is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in sports medicine and President of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute and is Chief of Staff at CentraState Medical Center.

Learn more about Dr. Greller, see more of Dr. Greller’s testimonials.

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Jumper’s Knee: Prevention and Treatment

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It’s no wonder that children are so often associated with running, jumping, and being active. There’s just something about that youthful energy that demands to be put into motion. However, active children and adolescents are also at risk of knee injuries, such as jumper’s knee, and may need to see an orthopedic specialist as a result.

Jumper’s knee is a condition common to young people who engage in significant amounts of kicking, jumping and running in sports such as soccer, track and field, and all types of hockey. The repetitive movements can result in discomfort of the tendon that runs over the front of the kneecap, the patellar tendon, which connects the muscles in the thigh to the muscles in the shin. Further damage to the bone growth area of the kneecap occurs in some cases, usually during growth spurts. While the condition is uncomfortable, it is rarely serious. Causes include excessive squatting or running. In some cases, minor issues with bodily conformation–such as flat-footedness or knees which are too closely aligned–can exacerbate or predispose a child to jumper’s knee.

Diagnosis is reasonably straightforward, as the activities that engage the patellar tendon cause the most discomfort, occasionally accompanied by swelling. A simple exam is usually enough–when combined with a thorough patient history–to make an accurate diagnosis.  Some further diagnostic testing may be done, with an X-ray or MRI scan, to discern whether there are any complicating or unusual features to the disorder.

While both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for jumper’s knee, a knowledgeable orthopedic surgeon will likely steer patients to non-surgical treatments first, to avoid any associated risks of performing surgery on a young person unnecessarily. For some, simply abstaining from activity for a few weeks may provide the respite the tendon requires to recover.  Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to assuage any pain associated with jumper’s knee. However, the best treatment is time.  Cortisone injections are not associated with any long or short term improvements, and are rarely performed in this situation. In the rare cases where surgery is necessary, the surgeon will remove the damaged portion of the tendon. Regardless of the route of treatment, physical therapy is helpful, as are icing, heat, and ultrasound treatments.

Any time a child is given a diagnosis, it is a concern. Thankfully, with skilled professionals like those at the Advanced Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute, diagnosis, treatment, and a quick return to healthy activity are generally expected. To schedule a consultation, visit our website today!

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Next Generation in Knee Replacement by Dr. Nasar

male athlete in pain clutches his knee

Total knee replacement surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States.

This procedure is used to decrease pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life for many patients. Surgeons have performed conventional knee replacement surgery for more than 30 years with generally excellent results. Yet, as with any surgical technique, surgeons have sought new ways to perform the surgery less invasively, with less pain and a faster recovery. As a result, there have been numerous advances in this field over the last few years. Patients now experience less pain, and less time in a hospital, have less blood loss, and are able to return to activities much more rapidly.

Today, skilled orthopedic surgeons are able to implant a total knee replacement device without cutting the quadriceps muscle and tendon as they do in conventional surgery. This new procedure is called Quadriceps Sparing Knee Replacement Surgery. The quadriceps muscle is the most important muscle in the leg, responsible for straightening the leg and extending the knee. When the quadriceps is weak, the leg has a tendency to buckle.

Watch the video on MyCentralJersey.com

Dr. Nasar is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. He completed his BS in mechanical engineering at The Cooper Union in New York and earned his MD at the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey Medical School. He then completed an internship and residency in orthopedics at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. Dr. Nasar also participated in a fellowship in joint replacement surgery at the Desert Orthopedic Center in Nevada. Through his education, he completed an extra year of specialization in minimally-invasive total join replacements.
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Staying Safe with Summer Sports

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How can you avoid injury and still get the most out of the summer?

Summer sports are All-American favorites: baseball, tennis, swimming, softball, soccer, cycling, ultimate frisbee, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, beach volleyball, archery, windsurfing, polo, golf, running, and more! But with all these exciting adventures come the risks and hazards associated with being active outdoors in hot and humid weather. 

See your primary care doctor regularly. 

As with any physical activity, it’s crucial to make sure you are fit enough to begin by seeing your primary care doctor regularly. Especially if you’ve had some time off due to inclement weather or sports injury, starting slowly and prudently is always the best plan. Working with a professional or trainer can be very helpful because he or she can guide you through increasingly vigorous levels of recreation.

Staying fit in the summer has its own particular challenges; namely, dealing with the heat and oppressive humidity all too familiar to the Northeast. It is even more vital that you:

  • Practice assiduous warm ups and cool downs during intensely warm weather
  • Take frequent breaks to stay hydrated
  • Spend time in the shade
  • Wear loose fitting but safe clothing for your activity can improve your body’s ability to stay cool

Whether your activity has you playing on a team or in solitary reflection, you can still practice safely by always letting someone know where you plan to go to exercise, and carrying a cell phone in case of an emergency. If you are on a team, try and find players who are close to your skill and fitness level, at least at first.

Some discomfort or soreness is to be expected anytime you increase your activity level, but if you feel any pain, be it joint, muscle, or any other kind, stop immediately and see a professional. Working through the pain means you may be ignoring your own body’s early warning system that something is awry, and may lead to greater irritation or serious injury. If you have a prior impairment, you should certainly speak with an orthopedic specialist about what level of workout you should aim for.

By following simple precautions and exercising prudent judgment, you can enjoy all the fun and sports this summer has to offer! For more great information about staying active and summer activity, visit our blog.

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Cartilage Injury and Regeneration

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A common condition in the United States, joint pain can be a serious hindrance to athletic activity as well as everyday life.

An estimated two million American experience joint pain associated with cartilage injuries each year. Cartilage injuries can be debilitating and only the most modern methods of treatment can restore cartilage, minimize pain and relieve discomfort for patients of all ages.

So what is cartilage?

Cartilage is, essentially, connective tissue found in all animals, including humans. It is more flexible and softer than bone but stiffer and more rigid than muscle. As cartilage does not contain blood vessels or nerves, you cannot “feel” damage in your cartilage, though there are other signs.

There are three types of cartilage found in the human body.

Elastic cartilage is found in your ears and nose. This supports and adds shape to these structures. Fibrocartilage is tough and dense. This type is found in the joint connecting the upper pubic bones where it needs to be sturdy enough to support a lot of weight but flexible enough for childbirth. Fibrocartilage, such as the meniscus, can also be found in joints where the more flexible tissue has been destroyed. The meniscus transfers stress and protects the final type of cartilage, hyaline cartilage, from being damaged. Hyaline cartilage is the cartilage that allows healthy joints to function comfortably. Found in your joints, this type of cartilage can be degraded by arthritis, trauma and other conditions causing medical treatment to be needed.

The Cartilage Restoration Center of New Jersey, staffed by the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons of AOSMI, utilizes the latest techniques to restore cartilage.

We are completely devoted to the treatment of cartilage injuries with the goal of eliminating pain, restoring function and facilitating your return to full activity.

So you suffer from joint pain and think you may have damaged your cartilage, what are your options?  Joint replacement surgery and medication used to be your only option to deal with joint pain. Now with our cutting-edge technology, the board-certified physicians at AOSMI are able to offer you many conservative options, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Steroid injections
  • Hyaluronic Acid injections
  • Orthobiologics
  • Physical Therapy
  • Bracing

If conservative treatment options do not work or if the cartilage damage is too severe, there are several surgical options that focus on repairing or re-growing your cartilage, helping reduce the need for joint replacement surgery. Procedures include:

  • Microfracture: An arthroscopic procedure that stimulates cartilage regeneration
  • Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation – Utilizing bone and cartilage plugs taken from a low load area of the knee and transferred to the damaged area
  • Osteochondral Allograft Transplant – Used when donor bone and cartilage plugs are applied in the damaged area
  • DeNovo NT – Used when juvenile donor cartilage is used to repair the damaged area
  • Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation – Your cartilage cells are harvested via arthroscopic surgery, grown in a laboratory and then transplanted into the damaged area

These surgical options would be performed by our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at a hospital or outpatient surgery centers depending upon the procedure.

If you suffer from joint pain or feel you may have damaged your cartilage, call us today to schedule your cartilage consultation – 732-720-2555!

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Marathon Training: On The Move With A Mission

Running a marathon is an incredible undertaking requiring discipline, passion, and lots and lots of preparation. For all the hard work that goes into preparing your body to run a marathon, the sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line–for the first time or the fiftieth–is unmatched. If you are new to marathon training, take these suggestions to ensure that you train smart and effectively.

  • Start Where You Are. It is difficult to train appropriately when you aren’t aware of your current skill level. If you are brand new to running, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for this sort of exercise and let him or her help you determine an appropriate starting level of intensity. Pushing yourself too hard, too fast can lead to a sports injury.
    1. Have a Plan and Stick to It. There are plenty of apps and online resources to give runners of all ability levels an effective and appropriate training schedule. This plan will be more than just how much you run and how often. Break your goal of running a marathon into smaller goals you can prepare for, such as running a 5K or half marathon.
  • Fuel Properly with Good Nutrition. Even if you are running in part to achieve weight loss, it is important to increase your intake of calories when training to avoid fatigue and muscle loss. Be sure your calorie expenditure (including running) is about the same as your caloric intake. Also, make sure you are eating the optimal amount of protein and other nutrients for your body size, age, and gender.
  • Listen to Your Body. Running can take a heavy toll on the bones and joints. If you are experiencing pain, don’t try to tough it out. An unaddressed injury could not only derail your marathon aspirations; it can necessitate surgery, missed work time, and other adverse consequences.

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If you have experienced pain while running, an experienced orthopedic specialist at Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute can help determine the exact nature of your issue. Request an appointment with us today to get back to your fitness routine as soon as possible.

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is a medical practice located in Freehold and Monroe, NJ, our medical professionals are experts in orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, integrative wellness, spine care, physical therapy, and more.

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Knee Pain Treatment Option: Arthroscopic Surgery

The human knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It consists of the lower end of the femur, the upper end of the tibia, the kneecap, and four ligaments that connect the femur and tibia, providing joint stability. The strong muscles surrounding the knee give it strength and mobility while the bone surfaces are covered with articular cartilage, which cushions them. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer while a synovial membrane that releases a special lubricating fluid, reducing friction to nearly zero in a healthy knee, lines it.

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The knee joint, unfortunately, is the most easily injured joint and with so many parts working together, injuries can occur from:

 

  • Overuse
  • Strains or Sprains
  • Sports Injuries
  • Work Injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Excess Weight
  • And Direct Impact

 

Leading to inflammation, pain, swelling and diminished mobility or function. In the past, many athletes and other individuals simply learned to live with their knee pain. Today there is a wide variety of medical treatments and surgical procedures to help treat your knee pain.

The first course of action with knee pain or an injury is to reduce inflammation. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and modified movements or physical therapy can give the knee a chance to get back to normal. Steroids and orthobiologics are also conservative treatment options for knee pain. Surgery is always the last option; however, arthroscopic surgical treatments have become significantly more advanced in recent years, and can reduce or eliminate knee pain for almost anyone, with a surprisingly short recovery time.

 

What is Arthroscopy?

 

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure in which a small fiber optic camera and light source are inserted into a joint. It is only a quarter inch in diameter, about the size of a pencil, permitting the surgeon to make very small incisions with little or no scarring. The camera’s high definition video output is connected to a television monitor in real time, so that the operating team can adjust their movements accordingly during the procedure. The surgeon uses sterile fluid and specialized instruments to visualize the knee clearly and remove or repair damaged tissue.

 

Arthroscopy enables the surgeon to detect knee problems such as ligament and tendon tears, loose pieces of bone and cartilage, joint wear and tear including arthritis, cartilage tears, rheumatologic problems including gout, knee cap instability, fractures and other sources of pain and swelling. The knee is the most common joint operated on using the arthroscope; although the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist can also be viewed and fixed by using this method.

 

With recent advances, surgeons are now able to do cartilage replacement and transplantation, ligament reconstruction, and fracture repair with better results than larger open procedures, as they are much less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues than traditional surgeries that open the knee joint.

 

Arthroscopy’s benefits include:

 

  • Smaller incisions
  • Less scarring
  • Faster healing
  • Decreased infections
  • Maintain a normal, active lifestyle
  • And a shorter, more reliable recovery time

 

In fact, most arthroscopic surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient can go home the same day as the surgery and even walk out.

 

Signs and symptoms that arthroscopy may be right for you include swelling, pain, locking, instability and loss of confidence in your knee. When other treatments such as medication, physical therapy and bracing have not provided the improvement you or your doctor expected, you may benefit from arthroscopy. Call our office today for an evaluation – 732-720-2555.

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