As a San Diego orthopedic surgeon in practice for many years, I hear from many patients who don’t fully understand the different types of knee surgery, especially which ones are indicated for which kinds of knee pain.
Visit these pages on my site and you’ll find some quick primers, but what if you want more in-depth definitions? Try this piece, which includes a succinct and accurate rundown of the most common knee surgery procedures:
Arthroscopic surgery. Depending on your injury, your doctor may be able to examine and repair your joint damage using a fiber-optic camera and long, narrow tools inserted through just a few small incisions around your knee. Arthroscopy may be used to remove loose bodies from your knee joint, remove or repair damaged cartilage, and reconstruct torn ligaments.
Partial knee replacement surgery. In this procedure (unicompartmental arthroplasty), your surgeon replaces only the most damaged portion of your knee with parts made of metal and plastic. The surgery can usually be performed with a small incision, and your hospital stay is typically just one night. You’re also likely to heal more quickly than you are with surgery to replace your entire knee.
Total knee replacement. In this procedure, your surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap, and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
My San Diego orthopedic knee surgery practice offers industry standard approaches to imaging, surgery and aftercare. If you’re experiencing knee pain and want to visit an experienced team today, I urge you to reach out to us here.
