Understanding Conditions and Treatments
Knee Surgery Austin
Did you know that the knee is the largest joint in the body? Unfortunately, it is also one of the most frequently injured. Before electing to undergo the treatment recommended by Dr. David Dodgin or Dr. Matthew Heinrich, rest assured; the OSA specialist you consult will carefully explain your diagnosed knee condition in detail to help you understand his proposed options. Our doctors always looks to the least invasive, most conservative services before recommending knee surgery to our Austin patients.
The knee consists of four bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (shinbone), femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap). The lining articular cartilage, in conjunction with synovial fluid, allows the knee to maintain painless, fluid motion. The bones are connected, stabilized, and aligned with the support of four main ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate (PCL) ligament, medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The two major tendons—the patellar tendon and the quadriceps tendon—connect to the kneecap, serving to attach muscle to bone and further enable motion of the knee.
Common Knee Surgery Conditions
- Arthritis of the Knee: appears gradually in the middle-aged or elderly. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: is common among athletes. It is usually associated with a "pop," followed by swelling and instability.
- Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain: may be chronic in healthy teenagers, and is typically experienced behind the front and center of the knee. Causes of this condition are difficult to pinpoint.
- Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain): Athletes may experience an aching pain in the front of the knee due to overuse, misalignment, or injury.
- Unstable Kneecap: When your kneecap seems to slip, it may be partially or totally dislocated.
- Knee Ligament Injuries: OSA offers treatment for any kind of knee ligament injury.
- Kneecap (Prepatellar) Bursitis: occurs when the fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, that surround the tendons become inflamed and fill with fluid.
- Meniscal Tear: A torn meniscus injury commonly occurs during sports. The menisci function as cushions that also add stability while twisting or pivoting.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: This ligament is located in the back of the knee, and connects the femur to the tibia. A tear results from impact to a knee that is bent.
Common Forms of Knee Surgery
No matter the condition, Dr. Dodgin or Dr. Heinrich can recommend the most suitable treatment or type of knee surgery at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, including:
- ACL Reconstruction
- Computer Navigation
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
- Knee Implants
- Osteotomy and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
- Rotating platform/mobile-bearing knees
- Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Osteoarthritis
- Total Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement: Cemented and Cementless, MIS Quad-Sparing, MIS Partial, Unicompartmental, or LCS
- Unispacers
Hip Surgery Austin
The hip joint is essentially a ball-and-socket joint made up of the pelvis and the femur. The top, or "ball" of the femur, meets with the “socket" of the pelvis. The bones are lined with cartilage, allowing for shock absorption and smooth, fluid mobility. In addition, there is a ridge of cartilage that adds stability to the joint.
Dr. Dodgin and Dr. Heinrich also specialize in the hip. They consider hip surgery only when rest or rehabilitation is not the ideal solution for their Austin patients. Your unique treatment plan will be based on your initial consultation.
Common Hip Treatment Conditions
- Arthritis: This common cause for hip pain occurs in elderly individuals over time. While osteoarthritis is the most common form, rheumatoid arthritis is also common.
- Osteonecrosis: Young and middle-aged adults may be affected. The condition results from ceased blood circulation to the femoral head. In severe cases, the hip joint may collapse.
- Hip fractures: are very common in elderly patients after a fall. Hip fractures represent a serious health problem in the elderly because of associated conditions, like as pneumonia and blood clots.
- Bursitis of the hip: When the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints become inflamed, pain may be experienced in the groin area.
- Hip Strains: When muscle fibers anchored to the hip joint are stretched or torn from too much activity or injury, a strain may occur.
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: This condition is rare, occurring in adolescents. It results when the ball at the top of the femur slips off in a backward direction. It may happen during a period of rapid growth.
Common Forms of Hip Surgery
In addition to non-invasive treatments for the hip, both Dr. Dodgin and Dr. Heinrich provide the following forms of hip surgery at Orthopedic Specialists of Austin:
- Hip Replacement: MIS 2-Incision, MIS Mini-Incision, or Direct Anterior Approach
- Hip Arthroscopy Alternative Bearing Surfaces
- Hip Implants
Learn More about Knee and Hip Surgery
It is important to consult with an orthopedic specialist regarding your specific musculoskeletal need. If your problem relates to the knee or hip, Dr. David Dodgin or Dr. Matthew Heinrich can discuss knee and hip surgery or other treatment options in Austin, Travis County, and Central Texas. Contact Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin today to schedule an appointment.
