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Knee Surgeon

The knee is a complex joint. It is composed of three bones and a number of tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. For this reason, there are different types of knee surgeons and doctors for different types of injuries and conditions:

Older man grabbing knee in pain.

  • A knee replacement surgeon specializes in joint replacement and reconstruction, primarily for people who have osteoarthritis of the knee.
  • A sports medicine doctor focuses on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Some of the most common related to the knee include tears of the joint cartilage and ligaments and runner’s knee.
  • An orthopedic trauma surgeon generally treats bone fractures and other acute injuries caused by high-impact events. Some examples are work-related accidents, car collisions, falls or intense athletic activities.
 

Common Knee Injuries and Conditions

A knee joint is composed of three bones:

  • femur (thighbone)
  • tibia (shinbone)
  • patella (kneecap)

These bones are connected by a complex system of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and other tissues. Injuries and conditions can affect any one or a combination of them. Some of the more common ones include:

  • ACL tears (anterior cruciate ligament injuries)
  • meniscus tears
  • runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
  • IT band syndrome (iliotibial band ligament injury)
  • osteoarthritis
  • fractures

Knee Injury and Condition Symptoms

Knee injury and conditions symptoms can include:

  • knee pain during activity
  • knee pain or aches while at rest
  • weakness or instability
  • stiffness or reduction in the range of motion
  • popping or clicking sounds

When to See a Knee Surgeon

Make an appointment if:

  • you have persistent or intermittent knee pain
  • performing a specific type of activity (such as running) causes recurring knee pain
  • you’ve experienced a loss in range of motion in your knee
  • knee pain wakes you from sleep
  • knee pain is accompanied by swelling, redness or tenderness around the joint

Do I Need Knee Surgery?

Not all knee injuries require surgery. Many can be treated with non-operative treatments such as:

  • physical therapy
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen
  • corticosteroids injections or other injection therapies

However, if your pain is related to an acute injury that happened during activity like running or jumping, or if you are concerned you may have fractured your knee, you should meet with an orthopedic surgeon. If your surgeon determines that you don’t need an operation, they will give you a medical treatment plan to help get you back on your feet. They may also refer you to a nonsurgical musculoskeletal doctor or physical therapist.

Whether you first consult a physician or a surgeon, they may order imaging of your knee to help make an accurate diagnosis. X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technologies are available onsite.

About HSS Florida Knee Physicians and Surgeons

The knee physicians and surgeons at HSS Florida are highly specialized in sports medicine and orthopedics. They apply this world-renowned expertise to help reduce your pain, improve function and movement and restore your quality of life.

If you have knee pain, or if your primary care doctor has recommended that you see a specialist, find the best knee doctor or surgeon at HSS Florida for your specific injury or condition. Meet our doctors.