Knee injuries and conditions
Every time you take a step, you use your knee, making it susceptible to a number of injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), knee injuries are the most common reason for visiting an orthopedic surgeon.
Dr. Shook is a fellowship-trained knee surgeon specializing in sports injuries and conditions. Dr. Shook uses professional sports medicine treatment to relieve pain and help you return to your sport after an injury.
ACL Tears
Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common sports injuries. When the ACL is torn, the patient/athlete must decide whether to let it remain torn or have surgery to repair it. Both choices are acceptable and may relieve knee pain, depending on the particular desires and expectations of the patient.
In most cases, the ACL is completely torn (ruptured). Partial tears do occur but are more rare. When the ACL is completely torn, the ends are pulled away from each other; so spontaneous healing is not possible. The unattached ends usually atrophy and turn into scar tissue. Therefore, the patient must make a choice about what to do: 1) Undergo acl reconstruction; or 2) Try to live without an ACL. Consult an orthopedic specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary or not.
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages to ACL treatment options.
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Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries among athletes; however, anyone can tear their meniscus. A meniscus tear is sometimes referred to as torn cartilage in the knee and most often occurs during sports, but can occur during many activities. When an athlete squats and twists the knee, this can cause a tear. The same moment can also cause a tear during daily activities in any individual.
Treatment depends on the severity of your injury. If your tear is small and does not cause symptoms, surgery may not be necessary. If your symptoms persist with non-surgical treatment, knee surgery may be needed. Consult an orthopedic specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary or not.
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MCL Injury
An MCL injury is a sprain or tears to the medial collateral ligament. The MCL is typically injured during activities that involve bending, twisting or a quick change of direction. Football, soccer, skiing and other sports with a lot of sudden stopping, jumping or weaving are prone to MCL injuries. A blow to the outside part of the knee may also injure the MCL.
Sometimes crutches or a brace that protects movement in the knee is necessary during the healing process. Sometimes a severe tear may require surgery; however, this is not common unless you also injure other parts of your knee such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus. Consult an orthopedic specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary or not.
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PCL Injury
The posterior cruciate ligament is located in the back of the knee. It is one of several ligaments that connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone).
A posterior cruciate ligament injury typically requires a powerful force, such as a direct blow to the front of the knee.
If you have only injured your posterior cruciate ligament, in most cases you won’t need surgery. If you have other ligament injuries in addition to your posterior cruciate ligament injury, you may need surgery. Consult an orthopedic specialist to determine whether surgery is necessary or not.
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Handouts
Dr. Shook has a number of handouts for injured athletes to better understand their particular injury, explain common treatment options for sports injuries and outline rehabilitation programs.