Knee Pain, Procedures, Treatments
As the largest weight-bearing joints in the body, knees are vulnerable to everyday wear and tear, injury during sports or recreational activities, and disease. The Ortho Rhode Island knee specialists at South County Hospital focus on restoring mobility to patients with knee pain, whether from an acute injury or a chronic condition. As part of our comprehensive care, we provide a range of treatment options designed to meet each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs. There are a number of different conditions that can cause knee pain, including arthritis and injuries, among others.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage – the slick, cushioning surface on the ends of bones – wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength and pain may become chronic. Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear, for example).
Patient-Centered Care
The Ortho Rhode Island hip specialists at South County Hospital support a conservative approach to treatment. Our team starts with minimally invasive techniques like physical therapy and medication, recommending surgical intervention only if it is necessary to meet patient recovery goals and restore mobility.
Ortho Rhode Island knee specialists get to know you and your symptoms, and embrace communication to empower your decision making. By placing your experience at the center of our care, we create individualized treatment plans that provide better outcomes and help you regain your active lifestyle.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery
Based on the severity of arthritis in the knee, total or partial knee replacement may be recommended by a surgeon. Both procedures involve the orthopedic surgeon guiding Mako’s robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage.
Mako SmartRobotics™ for Partial Knee replacement is a treatment option for adults living with early-to-mid-stage osteoarthritis (OA) that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Depending on where arthritis affects the knee, patients may have an implant inserted in any of the following areas:
- In a unicondylar knee replacement, only one area (or compartment) of the joint is replaced.
- A patellofemoral knee replacement replaces the kneecap (or patella) and the grove at the lower end of the thighbone (or femur).
- A bicompartmental knee replacement affects two compartments of the knee – the inside (medial) and knee cap.
In comparison, Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Knee replacement is a treatment option for adults living with mid-to-late-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. With a Mako Total Knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced, and the surgeon inserts a Triathlon Total Knee implant. With over a decade of clinical history, Triathlon knee replacements are different than traditional knee replacements because they are designed to work with the body to promote natural-like circular motion.
Schedule a consultation with an Ortho Rhode Island Knee Specialist today.