Knee Problems? Ask the Kayal Orthopaedic Center Expert!

By Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS

During my years as an experienced NJ knee surgeon, I have helped hundreds of patients overcome the pain and immobility associated with debilitating knee injuries. My elite team of knee surgeons delivers patient-focused service that consists of: (1) educating patients, in-depth, about their knee injuries, (2) recommending the best treatment options, and (3) working to eliminate pain and achieve full rehabilitation. Whether your knee injury is sports-related—or was caused by a fall, an accident or a bone condition—we look forward to expediting your return to health. 

FAQs about Knee Injuries

1. WHY ARE KNEE INJURIES SO COMMON AND COMPLEX?
Knee injuries are the most common joint injury, plaguing athletes and people of all ages. Knee injury complexity results from the joint’s elaborate anatomy, which consists of a sophisticated union of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscle. Bones include the lower portion of the femur (thigh bone), the upper portion of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (knee cap). Together, these elements flex and extend with the help of ligaments and tendons, which protect the joint against abnormal movement. In addition, the knee is cushioned by the meniscus (cartilage padding), which helps to absorb the shock of impact and activity. Each of these joint elements serves a critical purpose, and when one fails due to injury—the knee joint is no longer mechanically sound.  

2. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON KNEE INJURIES?
Knee conditions (and their symptoms) vary from mild to severe, and may be caused by acute activity or long-term overuse. While the scope of knee injuries is too broad to cover within one blog, the following injuries are common: 

• ACL Injury: The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, limits excessive rotation and forward movement of the knee. It is commonly injured during a sudden, impactful stop (i.e. – landing from a jump), during a twisting motion, or during a blow/force to the joint. ACL tears are common in basketball, skiing, football, and other activities that require jumps or rapid changes in direction.  
• PCL Injury: The PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) limits excessive backward movement (or hyperflexion) of the knee joint. PCL injuries commonly occur during: (1) car accidents—when the shinbone strikes the dashboard and is forced backward, and (2) sports injuries, when athletes misstep—or fall on their knee with full body force.
• MCL Injury: The MCL provides knee-joint stability, and prevents excess “opening” of the knee joint. It is commonly injured during sudden impact to the outside of the knee. This type of blow may be sustained during contact sports, or during a severe fall. 
• Torn Meniscus: Torn knee cartilage usually refers to a tear in the meniscus, which is a rubbery cartilage section that attaches to the ligaments. The meniscus ensures even application of body weight across the knee joint, and absorbs shock during jumping, cutting, pivoting or impact. Traumatic injury (usually excessive bending and twisting of the knee) may cause a meniscus tear. This type of cartilage damage is also common with joint degeneration, since the meniscus can “wear out” over time.   
• Fracture:  Fractures to any bone in the knee (patella, femur and tibia) generally occur during falls, car accidents or other traumatic blows to the joint.    
• Osteoporosis: As you age, your bones may become brittle and fragile. Called osteoporosis, this condition leads to joint degeneration and increased susceptibility to fractures and trauma. The Kayal Orthopaedic team will address not only your acute, osteoporosis-related knee injury, but will also assist you with long-term disease prevention and management. 

3. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF KNEE INJURIES?
The most common symptom, of course, is pain. You may experience throbbing, aching, shooting or nerve-related pain, depending upon the location and extent of your injury. Other common knee injury symptoms include:

• Joint swelling and stiffness
• Redness and “hotness”
• Weakness and immobility
• Locking, popping or crunching
• Obvious joint deformity

4. HOW WILL YOU DIAGNOSE MY KNEE INJURY?
Often, my team of NJ orthopedic surgeons can establish a diagnosis with just a physical exam and medical history. However, your injury may also require diagnostic imaging, such as MRIs, CT scans and x-rays. Our office staff deals with your insurance company and obtains necessary authorizations for further testing—so you’ll have a diagnosis promptly and efficiently. 

5. HOW DO KAYAL ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS TREAT KNEE INJURIES?
While treatment for knee injuries is as varied as the conditions, themselves, there are a few customary treatment options. First, your NJ orthopedic surgeon may prescribe icing, elevation and acute anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and relieve pressure. If your injury does not require surgery, knee surgeons may recommend physical therapy and home exercises to strengthen and re-stabilize the joint. Physical therapy will focus on strengthening the quadriceps (front thigh) muscles, as well as the hamstrings (back thigh) muscles. Balance and flexibility exercises may also prove helpful.

If these conservative treatments are not indicated—or are not helpful after a period of time—knee surgery may be required. 

6. WHAT TYPE OF SURGERY IS AVAILABLE FOR KNEE INJURIES?
If nonsurgical rehabilitation is not effective or recommended, there are several types of surgery that may be performed for knee injuries. These include knee arthroscopy, minimally invasive knee joint replacement, unicompartmental arthroplasty and total knee replacement. To get the details about each of these cutting-edge surgical options, visit our Patient Information Center or make an appointment today.

MORE KNEE INJURY QUESTIONS?
CALL THE KAYAL ORTHOPAEDIC TEAM!

As the regional pioneer of the partial knee and patellofemoral knee replacement technology, I’ve performed more of these surgeries than any other orthopaedic surgeon in the area. My team and I are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of knee injuries and bone conditions, so there’s no better place to seek NJ knee injury care. We specialize in attentive, customized treatment, and boast a staff of compassionate, qualified experts. Call 201-447-3880 to schedule your appointment today!