Knee Surgery Specialist

When is knee surgery necessary?

There are a variety of nonsurgical treatments for knee problems, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and knee drainage. However, if medications or other treatments aren’t working, Dr. Millstein may recommend knee surgery.

Surgery is often used to repair joints that have been damaged by either degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or by traumatic injuries, such as sports injuries or car accident injuries.

Dr. Millstein performs many knee surgeries, using minimally-invasive techniques when he can. Some of these surgeries include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
• Cartilage repair
• Knee fracture repair
• Knee replacement (total and partial)
• Ligament repair
• Meniscus tear repair
• Revision knee surgery

How does knee replacement surgery work?

Knee replacement surgery — also called arthroplasty — is one of the most common bone surgeries in the United States, with surgeons performing about 600,000 each year.

During the procedure, Dr. Millstein cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap. He then replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal or plastic.

Some knee replacement joints are made especially for women to better match their anatomy.

Once Dr. Millstein places the artificial joint, it replicates your knee’s natural function while relying on surrounding muscles and ligaments for support.

There are two types of knee replacement surgery: total knee replacement and partial knee replacement. Total knee replacement is common, but if arthritis affects only one side of your knee, partial knee replacement may be a possibility.

How do I know if I need knee surgery?

Dr. Millstein offers comprehensive evaluations to determine whether knee surgery is the right option for you. In general, if your pain is not responding to medication or other nonsurgical treatments, knee surgery is recommended if you’re experiencing:

• Unbearable pain
• Excessive swelling
• Lack of mobility
• Aching in the knees during and after exercise
• Trouble sleeping
• Knee pain or stiffness in rainy weather

If you have a knee injury that you think might benefit from surgery, Dr. Millstein can help — he’s one of the leading international experts in advanced arthroscopic techniques for knee surgery. To get started, call Millstein Orthopedics or book an appointment online.