Tibial plateau fracture may lead to total knee replacement

January 26, 2010 — admin

What is a tibial plateau fracture and what’s the final outcome with proper treatment?

The tibia is the lower leg bone between the ankle and the knee. The tibial plateau is at the top of the tibia. It’s the surface where the upper leg bone rests on the tibia. In other words, the tibial plateau is the bottom surface of the knee joint.

A fracture in this area can be treated with or without surgery. This depends on how severe it is and whether or not there is another injury with it. A torn ligament or a second fracture may also require surgery.

Over the years, studies have shown that tibial plateau fractures result in arthritis. A total knee replacement (TKR) may be needed. The final outcome isn’t as good for patients receiving a TKR without a previous fracture. The operation can be very complex.

Results are good when the doctor is aware of these problems and plans carefully.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Splinting, bracing, wrapping injured knees is controversial treatment

December 18, 2009 — admin

I often see people wearing braces on their knees. I hurt my knee in a skiing accident last week. Should I be wearing a brace?

The use of splints, elastic bandages, neoprene sleeves, and various braces for knee injuries is controversial. When to wear these devices and for how long are subjects of current research.

 

A proper diagnosis is the first step in knowing how to treat an injury. For example, elastic ace wraps are used for sprains to help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Knee support is sometimes recommended for anterior cruciate ligament injuries, especially if surgery is delayed. Talk with your doctor to find out whether extra support is necessary in your case.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com. 

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Knee surgery vs. physical therapy for torn ACL

December 7, 2009 — admin

My skiing buddy and I both had knee injuries in competition last month. It turns out we had the same injury–a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He went on to have knee surgery. My doctor said my knee will get better with physical therapy. Shouldn’t I have the same treatment as my friend?

Not necessarily. It’s likely your friend’s ACL was severely damaged. Your doctor may have determined that your ligament was only mildly torn or stretched out. In that case, physical therapy treatments can be used to help improve your knee function.

Your doctor and physical therapist will watch to see if you get full knee motion and strength. If your pain and swelling go away and your knee feels stable and strong, you may be able to return to competition without knee surgery.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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Which knee ligament is really torn – ACL or MCL?

November 18, 2009 — admin

It has been 20 years since I was diagnosed with a partial tear of my medial collateral knee ligament. My knee gives out every once in a while, keeping me from the activities I enjoy. I just turned 63, and I like to keep active by skiing and playing golf. Should I have the ligament replaced?

It is questionable whether you merely tore your medial collateral ligament (MCL) when you were first hurt. Had you only injured the MCL, chances are it would have scarred down and not given you much trouble.

From what you describe, it is more likely that you also stretched or tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In either case, you might not be a candidate for ligament surgery given your age. Instead, a surgeon specialist will probably want to have you use a brace and do exercise treatments. If these aren’t helpful, surgery might be a last resort.

Age is one factor your surgeon will consider. So is activity. Your surgeon may treat you as he or she would a younger patient, given your level of activity.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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I tore my ACL playing soccer. How do these injuries happen?

November 6, 2009 — admin
Having played soccer since I was eight, I’m a seasoned player in excellent shape. But last month, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee during my last high school game. I still don’t know what happened. One minute I was after the ball, the next minute I was down on the field and unable to get up. How do these injuries happen?

 
Most ACL injuries occur when the knee is perfectly straight or slightly bent. This type of injury can happen when a player is running, jumping, or standing still. In soccer, the ACL is most likely to be injured when a player is running and changing directions quickly, stopping suddenly, or twisting the body over the foot. Jumping and landing on the foot with the knee twisted can also cause problems.

New technology has allowed researchers to measure the strain placed on the ACL. One important discovery has been that stopping suddenly (rapid deceleration) puts a high level of strain on the ACL. This occurs when the foot makes contact with the ground and the leg is at its straightest. Doctors and physical therapists are working together to develop an exercise program that will prevent these types of injuries.

 

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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