The knee is the largest joint in the body. If it’s not functioning properly, your everyday activities will be limited. Safe and effective knee surgery in Reading, PA can relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis, or repair damaged tissues and ligaments, to get you back on your feet again.

Arthroscopic surgery of the knee may help relieve many knee disorders.  In fact, arthroscopy is one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the U.S. The procedure allows the orthopedic surgeon to see inside of the knee by means of a pencil-sized tube called an arthroscope, which transmits images of your knee through a small video camera to a TV monitor.

The incision is very small, but the surgeon can examine the inside of your knee to find out the source of the problem and remove or repair damaged tissues through other small incisions.

Here is some information about a few of the most common knee conditions and treatments:

ACL Injury and Repair

Knee Surgery in Reading PAOne of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This ligament is crucial to the stability, strength and mobility of your knee. It’s often torn during sports activities when the foot is planted and the knee twists sharply in another direction or is extended beyond its normal range of motion.

The injured individual feels a “pop” in the knee, and is unable to continue running or playing because of immediate, intense pain and a feeling that the knee is unstable.  Nearly 50% of ACL injuries occur in combination with damage to the meniscus, articular cartilage or other ligaments.

Treatment options for ACL injuries include non-surgical treatment, which includes physical therapy and rehabilitation to attempt to restore the knee as closely as possible to its pre-injury state. If the ligament is torn, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery can often be done to replace the ligament with a substitute graft made of tendon.

The goal of ACL reconstruction surgery is to prevent instability and restore the function of the torn ligament, creating a stable knee. This allows most athletes to return to sports, but each patient in unique.

Patellar Dislocations 

Another common knee condition, especially in young athletes, is a patellar (kneecap) dislocation. This occurs when the bones of the knee slip partially or completely out of place. Dislocations are most commonly caused by falls, vehicle crashes and sports-related trauma, and often occur when the foot is planted and a rapid change of direction takes place.

If cartilage or bone fragments came loose when the dislocation occurred, they generally must be removed through arthroscopic knee surgery. Otherwise, treatment involves immobilizing the knee for a short time until the swelling and discomfort subside.  Some situations of patellar dislocation require surgical treatment.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knees wear out for a variety of reasons, including inflammation from arthritis, injury and ordinary wear and tear. If medications, changing your level of activity and using walking supports are not helpful, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest total knee replacement surgery.

In knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone and then positions new metal and plastic joint surfaces to restore the alignment and function of your knee. Most patients enjoy a reduction or elimination of knee pain and are able to return to their normal daily and sports activities, such as golfing, skiing, biking and hiking.

Orthopedic surgeons, like Dr. Stephen Soffer in the Reading, PA area, have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. To find out if knee surgery could help resolve your pain and discomfort, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Soffer.


Print pagePDF pageEmail page