Healthy knees are central to facilitating the ability to stand up, sit down, walk and run. Injuries to the knee can limit or decrease mobility. Puget Sound Orthopaedics (PSO) knee surgeons have performed many procedures treating conditions typically caused by arthritis, sprains, strains and fractures. Whether treatment consists of surgical or nonsurgical options, PSO surgeons are committed to helping patients get moving again.
The knee is a complex joint that bends and straightens like a hinge. There are three (3) bones that make up the knee: the femur (thighbone), which is the strongest and longest bone in the body, tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). While it does not directly affect the knee’s movement, the smaller fibula (calf bone) is connected by ligaments to the tibia and supports the tibia’s function.
For the knee to function properly, all of the bones must work in tandem with four (4) primary ligaments that hold the three bones together. The medial (MCL) and lateral collateral (LCL) ligaments control the sideways movement. The anterior cruciate (ACL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments control the back and forth motion. In addition two (2) menisci act as “shock absorbers.” The menisci are made up of cartilage and help cushion and stabilize the joint.
INJURIES TO THE KNEE
Injuries to the knee often cause a sensation that feels like the knee is giving way, also known as instability. All three bones are prone to fracture but the kneecap breaks more often because it acts as a shield for the joint. The kneecap can become unstable or dislocate if it slips out of its v-shaped groove in the femur.
Another type of fracture is proximal tibia (shinbone) fractures, where the wider upper part of the bone that is a part of the knee joint breaks. If the break extends into the knee joint then the fracture is called tibial plateau fracture.
While arthritis can take many forms, the condition generally is inflammation of the joints. One of the prevalent types of arthritis is osteoarthritis (sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” and typically is found in older people). Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis are common types of arthritis found in the knee.
Athletes who play high demand sports, such as soccer, football and basketball are subject to injury to one of the four cruciate ligaments. A quick change in directional movement or an awkward landing from a jump can cause a tear. A blow to the front of the knee is the typical cause of a tear occurring in the PCL. Any force that pushes the knee sideways can result in an injury to the MCL or LCL.
COMMON CONDITIONS
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear – when the ligament is sprained or torn from a sudden stop or slowing down while running, awkwardly landing from a jump, rapidly changing direction or direct contact or collision
Seek medical treatment from a knee specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Pain or swelling in the knee
Feeling like the knee is “catching” or “locking up”
A “popping” noise associated with the time of injury
An inability to put weight on the knee or move the knee
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you. The best treatment for your injury or condition will be determined in combination with your overall health.
There are several nonoperative treatment options for knee pain. These might include physical therapy, pain management in the form of over-the-counter or prescribed medications and/or anti-inflammatories or immobilizing the afflicted knee with a brace. If surgery is necessary, PSO knee specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures ranging from minimally invasive to major reconstruction.
Knee replacement is also known as knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this surgery is to help relieve pain while restoring the proper function of a knee joint that is suffering from disease or injury. To help people make informed decisions for their health and dispel any concerns they have regarding total knee replacement surgery, we’ve […]
An ACL tear can be either a sprain or a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. This key ligament holds together the femur and tibia and is pivotal in providing motion for the leg. In particular this ligament provides stability in the knee and with other ligaments inside, outside and within the knee. These different […]
The complex function of the knee relies on many bones and ligaments working properly. Injured or sprained ligaments can create instability since the ligaments control the backwards, forwards and sideways motion of the knee. When the knee is forced sideways it can rupture the different soft tissues that provide support and stability. Swelling, pain and […]
See what our patients and their families have to say. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care in a compassionate and caring environment.
"Dr. Hassan is always polite, understands my problems, and explains treatment in a way I can understand." - Dennis
"Dr. Vaughan and his staff have always been the most courteous and professional. I have nothing but good things to say." - Anonymous
"I am so grateful for Dr. Yearian. I have seen many foot doctors and none of them have even came close to the care I have received from Dr. Yearian. I consider Dr. Yearian a miracle worker. He gave me my life back. I am even back to work after many other doctors told me that I would never work again."
"Very impressed with Dr. Arroyo - he was highly recommended by many of my friends." - Sharon
"I very much appreciated Dr. Coray’s medical care on the day I really needed to be seen by a doctor. His calm, relaxed demeanor helped me accept the exam and treatment more easily... not what I was expecting! Thank you!"
"Dr. Bargren was refreshing to meet. He was thorough and pleasant." - Lauren
"Dr. Gray replaced both of my knees. He did an excellent job surgically as well as preparing me for this surgery through his staff and the joint class and preoperative meeting with Sarah PA-C. I was standing the day of surgery and walking within 24 hours. I was back at work and driving within 3 weeks. Physical therapy and a successful surgery made all the difference. Dr. Gray and his staff have been great answering questions and support. I would highly recommend Dr. Gray and I am very glad that I did a double knee replacement." - Francea
"Dr. Coray was fantastic: very informative and he didn't rush me out the door." - Carol
"Terrific doctor and great clinic. Excellent care and follow up. I read the Core Values (H.E.A.R.T.) before my surgery and wondered if they would show up in my experience and sure enough they did. This is an outfit I would recommend to anyone who needs this kind of care." - Catherine
"Love Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Dr. Hassan is amazing!! Great attitude, friendly, compassionate, empathetic and he is always smiling!! Those girls at the front desk are also always smiling, no matter what is going on. When checking in patients, they greet each and every patient with a smile. Huge kudos to this clinic. Everyone is so welcoming, kind, friendly, and smiley. Great job everyone!!" - Anonymous
"Dr. Yearian was friendly, clear, and thorough. I enjoyed my time with him and am confident in his abilities and care." - David
"I would recommend Dr. Hassan and Puget Sound Orthopaedics to anyone with hand injuries or shoulder problems." - Cheryl
“Communication is the key to everything. Nick Harrison was very helpful and able to explain the injury.” - Carl
"I had a wonderful experience at your surgery center. The nursing staff was helpful and patient. After going home to recover, your nursing staff was willing to help me through all of my post op questions and concerns. The Lakewood Surgery Center's staff was always willing to answer my questions professionally and with compassion." - Chris
"I felt like Dr. Gray was genuinely concerned about my musculoskeletal problem. He also took an interest in guiding me about other health issues. I have already recommended him to a friend." - Sheri
"Both Angie and Dr. Vaughan are incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and caring. I feel very confident in their knowledge, advice, and abilities." - Anonymous
"We have always had wonderful care from Dr. Smith. He is kind, caring and very knowledgeable. We have referred many patients to him. - Anonymous
"I have every confidence in Dr. Arroyo. He comes with the highest recommendations. His personality is superb!" - Don
"Dr. Ghidella has taken great care of me through this difficult journey. I would recommend him to anyone who needed orthopedic surgery." - Kristina
"Dr. Thomas is a peach. One of the nicest, most thoughtful, and personally engaged doctors we have seen." - Sheila
“Dr. Ghidella is always informative, shows concern, and speaks in a language in which I can understand. I would definitely recommend him to others.” - Kristina
“Everyone was great. Dr. Vaughan was extremely helpful and informative.” - Paul
"I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Dr. Arroyo was very professional, concerned for my problem, and thoroughly explained all my options, including my best option and length of recovery." - Constance
"I was greatly impressed by Dr. Smith's competence and friendliness. He always addressed me by my first name and carefully listened to what I had to say." - Joan
“I love working at Puget Sound Orthopaedics. My job is challenging and my co-workers are great to work with. Everyone is willing to help you grow.” - Lorie W.
"Dr. Jenkins has great bedside manner. He is very informative and calming. I am fortunate to have him as my surgeon." - Don
"Thank you for my shoulder surgery and rehabilitation. Before my surgery, I was unable to sleep and the use of my right arm was painful. After 6 weeks in a sling and 2 1/2 months of physical therapy I am pain free...sleeping in comfort and using my arm with ease and no pain. Although Dr. Jenkins said I still have a couple of months to go for full recovery (so I should not be moving couches around), I can perform most activities I used to do...swimming breaststroke, running, hiking, paddle boarding, etc. New lease on life! At 72 much more fun to be had!!!" - Anonymous
“I am so happy I was referred to this well-qualified provider.” - Lora
"Your staff were very courteous and welcoming! Dr. Blair answered all my questions in a very thorough and patient manner." - Michael
“Dr. Blair was very efficient and straightforward regarding my situation, diagnosis and treatment options. I felt confident of his care.” - Stephen