Conditions and Treatments

Knee Conditions

The knee is a large and complex joint that is dependent upon the interactions of bones, cartilage, and ligaments to provide normal and pain free movement. While highly durable, this joint is susceptible to injury during activities of both recreation and work. Instability, cartilage tears, and arthritis are common knee injuries in active people. For example, when the ends of the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone) become injured or diseased, their smooth surfaces become rough and irregular (arthritis). This causes friction, limitation of movement and, most of all, pain. These symptoms can also arise if the meniscus, which acts as a cushion within the joint, becomes torn or worn. The joint also relies on several ligaments (the ACL is one) for stability. Ligament sprains or tears can occur if they are overloaded following trauma or due to activities involving twisting.

Dr. Cole's practice offers comprehensive non-operative and operative management to effectively treat almost any knee condition afflicting an individual. Advances in our understanding of knee biomechanics and biology have significantly improved the outcomes following surgical intervention in particular. Knee injuries that were once considered permanent, especially in young patients, can today be effectively treated, often with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Some of the knee surgical procedures performed by Dr. Cole treat conditions that include ACL and meniscus tears, as well as focal cartilage injuries.

To learn more about knee conditions, visit the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Patient Education Library.

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