Knee Orthopedics: Doctors, Conditions & Treatments

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it is also one of the most complex. The knee joint is made up of four bones, which are connected by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The femur is the large bone in the thigh. The tibia is the large shin bone. The fibula is the smaller shin bone, located next to the tibia. The patella, otherwise known as the kneecap, is the small bone in front of the knee. It slides up and down in a groove in the femur (the femoral groove) as the knee bends and straightens. At Seaview, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic knee specialists offer knee pain treatments to treat any knee injury.

Meet Our Orthopedic Knee Specialists

Our orthopedic knee doctors at Seaview Orthopaedics are your trusted institute for knee orthopedics, knee injuries, and knee pain. We are committed to providing high-quality specialized knee treatments for our patients.

Schedule An Appointment with Our Knee Specialists

What Are Common Knee Conditions Orthopedic Specialists Treat?

Seaview Orthopedics treats all kinds of knee conditions, the most common knee conditions treated are: ACL Injuries, Meniscus Tears, and Osteoarthritis. Below are small explanations with an option to learn more about each conditions intricacies.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are very common and can cause significant pain and loss of function in the knee. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options with proven protocols to help you recover.

Learn About ACL Injuries

Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries. Although meniscus tears are especially common in athletes, anyone can experience a meniscus tear.

Learn More on Meniscus Tears

The knee is one of the most common joints affected by Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the articular cartilage in the knee. Articular cartilage is the smooth coating that covers the surface of the bones inside the knee.

Learn More on Osteoarthritis of the Knee



Surgical Treatments For Knee Injuries

The orthopedic knee surgeons at Seaview Orthopaedics have performed various types of knee surgeries to help alleviate patients knee pain.

If knee pain persists even with ongoing nonsurgical treatment, knee replacement surgery may be an option. At Seaview, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and expert staff, will guide you through the treatment process and help you decide what is right for you.

Learn About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can provide significant pain relief from arthritis and allow patients to remain active for many years after the procedure. Many patients are able to live the rest of their lives without the need for additional surgery in the knee. However, there are some cases where a second procedure (revision knee replacement) is needed to either correct problems caused by the initial procedure or to replace an implant that has worn over time.

Learn More About Revision Knee Replacement Surgery

Nonsurgical Treatments For Knee Injuries

Patients that are struggling with knee pain, there are nonsurgical treatment options to help alleviate your knee pain.

There are two main types of oral medications which have been shown to relieve pain and the other symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Narcotic drugs (e.g., codeine, morphine, Percocet) are rarely used when pain is not controlled by the above-mentioned medications alone. However, they do carry unfortunate side effects of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and constipation and are therefore prescribed for short term use only. Prolonged use of these drugs for pain management of osteoarthritis is not recommended. Often they are used as a last resort while patients await surgery. Consultation with a physician is important before starting any regular oral medications.

Injections are given by a needle directly into the knee joint. There are two types of injections used to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: joint lubricants (viscosupplementation) and cortisone (steroid injection).

Articular cartilage is the smooth coating covering the surface of the bones inside the knee. It helps to lubricate and cushion the surfaces of the knee joint. In osteoarthritis, this coating is damaged leading to reduced lubrication and cushioning. This results in some of the pain, grinding, and other symptoms experienced by osteoarthritis-sufferers.

Viscosupplementation therapy involves injecting a clear gel-like substance directly into the knee joint. These injections help to restore some of the lubrication lost by damaged cartilage and thus improve symptoms. An injection is given as one shot into the knee joint each week for 3 weeks. Usually, people who respond to this form of treatment will experience some improvement for 6 to 10 months. An injection series can be repeated every 6 months as needed.

This method of therapy is used for people who have not benefited from less invasive therapies such as lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, and oral medications. The injections do carry a small risk of infection or allergic reaction to the lubricant itself. Brands include Synvisc© and Orthovisc Euflexxa©. Physicians and orthopedic surgeons can provide additional information about the risks and benefits of this procedure.

Physicians can inject a powerful anti-inflammatory drug called cortisone (or corticosteroid) directly into the joint. Cortisone injections are reserved for people with a severely inflamed knee with uncontrolled pain. Cortisone injection can provide rapid relief from a tender, swollen osteoarthritic knee which has failed to respond to other forms of treatment. The benefit of an injection may last anywhere from a few days to more than 6 months. Injections may be less effective with each successive injection.

It should be noted that although cortisone is a steroid, it differs from the performance-enhancing steroids used by some athletes and discussed in the media. Injectable cortisone does not have the side effects associated with such steroids. There are, however, some risks associated with a cortisone injection. Repeated injections may promote the breakdown of articular cartilage, which is the cause of osteoarthritis in the first place. For this reason, multiple injections are not usually recommended.

There is also a small risk of infection or allergic reaction to the steroid preparation. Some patients may experience a “steroid flare,” in which the joint becomes more inflamed for 2-3 days following injection. Anti-inflammatory medications and/or ice may prevent or control this reaction. Doctors should explain all the risks and side effects prior to giving any steroid injection.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Seaview Orthopedic Knee Specialists in NJ

At Seaview Orthopaedic & Medical Associates, we have provided quality orthopedic care for over 30 years! Our patients’ total experience with our practice is our number one priority. If you have been suffering from any kind of knee pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at one of our six orthopedic clinics throughout NJ. To learn more feel free to contact us online.

Schedule An Appointment with Our Knee Specialists