Knee Injury Pain
One-third of all Americans report they have experienced knee pain at some point in their life. Due to the complexity of the joint, the knee is subject to injury. In cases of persistent knee pain, patients will often question: will my knee injury require surgery? The Vail Summit Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery (VSON) experienced team of knee doctors can answer this vital question.
The VSON specialized knee experts focus on returning you to the activities you love. Our team of knee specialists include:
Dr. Gloria Beim (Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Telluride)
Dr. Richard Cunningham (Frisco, Vail, Edwards)
Dr. Terrell Joseph (Frisco, Vail, Edwards)
Dr. Bill Sterett (Vail, Edwards)
Dr. Max Seiter (Frisco, Vail, Edwards)
Knee Injury Diagnosis
After a detailed diagnosis, a treatment plan is constructed between you and your knee doctor. In cases of chronic knee pain, a conservative treatment plan is typically the first plan of action. In cases of acute injury, or persistent symptoms, knee surgery may be recommended. Persistent knee pain symptoms that may require surgery includes:
Decreased mobility
Nominal improvement
Persistent pain
Decline in fitness
Instability
If conservative treatment does not improve symptoms, knee surgery is the next plan of action. Let us help you get you back in the game.
Knee Injuries that Require Surgery
The VSON knee doctors specialize in the treatment of all knee injuries. Common conditions that require knee surgery include:
ACL injuries
As one of the main stabilizers in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee ligament tears. The ACL is injured by twisting or hyperextension. The more severe the knee ligament tear, the more likely the need for surgical treatment. Our team of knee doctors utilizes the most cutting-edge treatment techniques to reconstruct or repair a torn ACL.
Ligament Sprains/Tears
Other common injuries include a knee ligament tear or sprain to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior collateral ligament (PCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These conditions are diagnosed by Grade:
Grade I – mild stability intact
Grade II – moderate, some tearing, less stability.
Grade III – complete tear, instability
Depending on the Grade of the knee ligament tear, and the patient’s activity level, knee surgery may be required to restore full function and stability.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus serves as a rubber cushion in the knee and helps aid in fluid motion. Due to the lack of blood supply, surgical repair is typically required to restore natural function to the knee. The highly trained knee doctors at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery utilize minimally invasive, advanced arthroscopic procedures to provide a quick recovery.
Articular Cartilage Damage
Articular cartilage helps protect the bony surface. Degeneration over time is the most common cause of articular cartilage injuries. Treatment of articular cartilage damage requires advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques to properly treat.
Knee Doctors at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
With a team of talented knee doctors, patients at VSON report a high volume of positive outcomes. If you have sustained an orthopaedic knee injury that may require surgery, contact our team of highly specialized knee doctors to get back on the road to recovery.