Common Knee Problems & Treatments
About the Knee
The knee is a hinge joint comprising articulations between the femur, tibia, and patella (knee cap). Ligaments in the knee such as the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL help to stabilize the knee in all planes of motion. The joint itself contains cartilage and the meniscus. Injuries to any of these structures can cause pain, instability, or obstruct motion in the knee. It is crucial to seek medical advice after an injury to rule out any significant pathology that can cause long-term damage. Clinical examination is an important first step followed by further work up with xrays and potentially an MRI. When possible the injury is treated conservatively but often knee injuries necessitate surgery. Dr. Andrachuk has helped to develop new arthroscopic techniques in the treatment of knee ligament injuries and has extensive experience in treating the complete array of knee pathologies.
Common Conditions We Treat
Patellar instability
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling with your knee, you might be suffering from patellar instability. The kneecap or patella attaches to the thigh bone or femur and the shin bone or tibia with tendons. The kneecap fits into the groove located at the end of the femur, which is called the trochlear groove. It slides up and down as your knee straightens and bends. Patellar instability is when the kneecap moves outside of the trochlear groove.
Patellar Tendon Tears
Patellar tendon tears are most-common for younger athletes to suffer patellar tendon tears. This type of injury happens during sporting events and other physical activities. While it may be most common in athletes, a patellar tendon tear can happen to anybody.
Baker’s Cysts
If you’re experiencing pain in your knee, you could have a Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst. It will likely cause a feeling of tightness and may cause a bulge behind the knee. If you fully flex your knee or extend your knee, it can get worse. This type of cyst may happen due to arthritis or a cartilage tear.
Arthritis
Arthritis is used to refer to any type of joint pain or joint disease. There are over 100 types of arthritis and it can impact people of all races and sexes. Although Arthritis might be associated with older patients, it can affect people of all ages.
Other Conditions We Treat
- Meniscal injuries
- Cartilage injuries
- ACL/PCL tears
- Multiligamentous knee injuries
- Patella fractures
- Quadricep tendon tears
Commonly Performed Procedures
- ACL reconstructions
- PCL reconstructions/repairs
- Knee replacement
- Partial meniscectomy
- Meniscus repairs
- Cartilage repair (OATS/MACI)
- MPFL reconstructions
- Tibial Tubercle Osteotomies
- Multiligamentous knee repairs/reconstructions
- Tendon repairs
- Fracture care
- PRP injections
- Stem cell injections
Schedule An Appointment
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrachuk please fill out the form or call us at (404)847-4210.
Telemedicine appointments available.