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Knees
Find an orthopedic surgeon
What is a knee replacement?
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal and plastic covering called a prosthesis or artificial joint. The artificial joint replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow artificial joints to function just like normal, healthy joints.
Click here to download a brochure on knee replacement.
Total knee replacement involves the replacement of the entire surface at the ends of your thigh and shin bones with metal and plastic parts. Damaged cartilage is replaced with new joint surfaces in a step-by-step process
Click here to see a web streaming video on total knee replacement, featuring Dr. German.
Unicompartmental knee replacement is also becoming increasingly common. During this procedure, doctors replace just the inner or outer knee surfaces, depending on the location of damage.
Click here to see a web streaming video on unicompartmental knee replacement, featuring Dr. Mason.
Femoral Nerve Block
A femoral nerve block is a technique used with knee replacement patients to help make joint replacement surgery less painful.
A femoral nerve block is performed by an anesthesiologist prior to surgery. An injection of local anesthetic is administered through a small catheter placed in the groin area, which is removed two days after the surgery. This gives a Novocain-like effect and decreases pain both during surgery and the 48 hours that follow. This nerve block decreases the need for pain medications, such as morphine, commonly used with joint replacement surgery.
Click here to read one patient’s experience of knee replacement surgery and recovery with a femoral nerve block.
ACL Injuries
One of the most common traumatic knee injuries is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which is the ligament on the front of the inside of the knee. These injuries occur most frequently during sports that require the foot to be planted while the body changes direction rapidly.
Click here to see a web streaming video on ACL injuries, featuring Dr.Buseck.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your doctor to look at the inside of a joint in your body through a thin viewing instrument called an arthroscope. It allows your doctor to look at the joint surfaces and the surrounding ligaments and cartilage through tiny incisions closed with one stitch each. This procedure can be used to diagnose a joint problem, perform a surgery that repairs a joint problem, remove a loose or foreign body, or monitor a disease or the effectiveness of a treatment. Arthroscopy is commonly performed on the knee, shoulder and ankle. It can also be done on the hip, wrist and elbow.
Click here to see a web streaming video on arthroscopy, featuring Dr. Mason.
For more information about the Saint Vincent Advanced Orthopedic Center, please call 814/452-5500 or 800/326-8080.
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