Anatomy: The meniscus is a cartilaginous structure that acts to spread the load of the femur across the proximal tibia. It along with the articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Premature damage to the meniscus is correlated to degenerative arthritis.

Symptoms: Localized pain and tenderness to a region of the knee, sometimes activity related. Swelling, inability to bend and sometimes straighten the knee.

Diagnosis: Relatively normal appearing X-Rays, Physical Exam findings and sometimes an MRI.

Treatment:The meniscus is an important shock-absorbing structure that has a relatively low chance of healing. If the symptoms warrant, an arthroscopic debridement or repair is the treatment of choice.

Anatomy: The ACL is one of the four main ligamentous stabilizers of the knee. It prevents the tibia from translating anteriorly in reference to the femur.

Symptoms: Usually associated with a non-contact sports injury. Patients may recall a “pop” and almost immediate swelling when they were decelerating and twisting. This type of history alone is associated with a 70% probability of ACL disruption. There is a high probability of concurrent meniscal and medial collateral ligament injury.

Diagnosis: Positive provocative tests such as a Lachman’s, pivot shift and anterior drawer test.

Treatment: The ACL has almost no self-reparative capacity; therefore, reconstruction usually the only option for patients that want to return athletic activities. We offer various techniques of reconstruction, including hamstring, patellar tendon, to allographic options.

Anatomy: The MCL is the primary stabilizer on the medial or inside of the knee. It prevents the knee from buckling inward and can be injured when the outside of the knee is struck.

Treatment: Most all MCL injuries can be treated non-operatively, sometimes with a brace. Surgery is indicated in only the most severe cases when instability is profound.

Anatomy:These structures allow for knee extension and hip flexion. Injuries to these tendons occur under extreme strain conditions, such as falling or jumping.

Treatment: Surgery is almost always indicated for complete tears to these tendons.

Anatomy:The patella acts to provide mechanical advantage to the quadriceps mechanism. It is tethered to the tibia at the tibial tuberacle and also to the quad muscle.

Symptoms: Abnormality of the anatomy and biomechanics or injury can cause inflammation of the patellar and femoral cartilage. Inflammation of this cartilage causes a diffuse anterior knee pain that is exacerbated by stair climbing and sitting.

Treatment: Non-operative treatment with physical therapy and exercise is highly successful. Surgery may be indicated in the most refractory cases.