Nonsurgical Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects in the Knee

Chondral injuries are common to the knee joint especially with ACL injuries or multi-ligament injuries. One study reported 23% of acute ACL injuries and 54% of chronic ACL knees had articular cartilage damage. In general, these lesions are not painful unless there is an elevated chondral flap (OCD) or a loose chondral piece.

NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

One of the most common problems that we have been seeing in our clinic are patients that have developed a stiff, arthritic knee; many seeing us for a second opinion. Often times, patients have seen another physician; either primary care, orthopedist, or orthopedic physician assistants and the patient may have been given a diagnosis of arthritis but did not fully understand the diagnosis.

NOT ALL PATELLAR DISLOCATIONS ARE THE SAME

A clear understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of the patellofemoral joint is critical when treating a patient that presents with a possible patellar dislocation. The alignment of the patellae should be evaluated to understand where the patellae sit in relation to the trochlea medially and laterally, as well as looking at the height of the patellae, proximal to distal. Physical exam should include assessing for a “J” sign, the patella height and patella tilt and comparing to the opposite knee.