As bipedal upright primates, humans enjoy the view on the world unlike any other species on the planet. A lot of time this superior viewpoint goes unnoticed except in our knees, hips and lower back that support such a lifestyle. However the abuse that these joints take in a lifetime often requires preventative or corrective surgery. The knees require the most treatment out of almost any other body part. This article will explore the different types of knee surgery to help you in your quest for the best knee surgeon.

Meniscectomy

This type of surgery deals with the meniscus which is a piece of cartilage in the knee. The surgery attempts to correct possible swelling, pain and issues with movement caused by a damaged, worn or torn meniscus by removing a part or the entire meniscus. Most meniscectomy’s are now done through arthroscopy which is a small incision with camera and various instruments included in one device.

Meniscus Repair

Instead of completely or partially removing the meniscus, this repair procedure is possible when a meniscal tear is on the outside of the meniscus. Instead of removing the meniscus a partial repair will help prevent arthritis later in life. .

Meniscus Transplant

Much like the name implies this surgery attempts to replace a damaged meniscus with one from a donor. Similar to the meniscus repair procedure this treatment can often prevent arthritis in the future and reduces knee pain.

Plica Surgery

This arthroscopic surgery is done to reduce inflammation of the plica, a tissue on the knee that is highly vulnerable to injury. There is also a non-surgical procedure to do so.

Lateral Release

Essentially this procedure realigns the kneecap to its outer groove to alleviate pain and discomfort caused when the kneecap is pulled to the outer area of its normal position. This is usually done with an arthroscope.

Tendon Repair

Two tendons on the front of the knee called the patellar and quadricep tendons which help with the legs flexibility, movement and extension can be repaired with this surgical procedure. Generally these tendons are ruptured or severed due to traumatic injuries or in slip and fall accidents.

ACL Reconstructive Surgery

Known as the athletes injury the ACL, anterior cruciate ligament, is vital to knee stability and requires surgery when torn, ruptured or severed. ACL reconstruction requires donor tissue either from somewhere else on your body or from another donor for grafting. Generally the patellar tendon or hamstring tendon are used in this process.

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Or otherwise known as a partial knee replacement is generally an option for osteoarthritis patients where the arthritis is limited to only a portion of the knee. That portion is usually replaced with metal and plastic parts.

Full Knee Replacement

Those suffering from severe arthritis or other traumatic injuries to the knee may require full joint replacement with an artificial knee.

Microfracture Surgery

The surgery repairs damaged cartilage in the knee to treat pain caused or to avoid partial or full knee replacement.

If you are a candidate for any of these surgeries, be sure to do a full evaluation and research in order to secure the best knee surgeon possible. For Los Angeles based Surgeons, check out this website - Best Knee Surgeons In Los Angeles.