Hip & Knee

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive hip and knee care services, like ACL tear repair, hip resurfacing, and more. Our experienced team is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating conditions that affect these essential joints, employing a holistic approach to ensure optimal outcomes.

From innovative surgical solutions to targeted therapy and pain management strategies, we address a wide range of issues, including hip and knee arthritis, sports injuries, and degenerative diseases. Our goal is to empower you to achieve improved mobility and return to your active lifestyle with confidence and comfort.

Conditions We Treat

Discover the range of conditions we address at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division. From arthritis to fractures and beyond, our expert team employs cutting-edge treatments to restore your mobility and enhance your quality of life. Explore our comprehensive care for the hip, knee, and more.

Osteoarthritis stands as the most common form of arthritis, impacting more than 31 million Americans. This condition typically emerges with age. Notably, the hip and knee joints are particularly prone to osteoarthritis. The degeneration of articular cartilage within the joint triggers a cascade of effects. Bones within the joint thicken, accompanied by the development of growths such as osteophytes or spurs, exacerbating pain and swelling, and hindering mobility. Concurrently, the synovial fluid, crucial for lubrication, thickens and becomes inflamed.

As osteoarthritis advances, the hip or knee joint undergoes progressive changes over time. Eventually, minimal articular cartilage remains, leading to bone-on-bone contact that intensifies pain, impairs movement, and complicates everyday activities.

Hip fractures primarily occur due to falls, with age being a significant risk factor. Older adults, especially those over 85, face heightened susceptibility due to changes in bone structure and overall health. Medical complications from hip fractures can be life-threatening. If you suspect a hip fracture, immediate medical attention is essential, either by consulting your doctor or visiting the hospital's emergency department.

The prevalence of hip fractures is higher in women compared to men. Women may be more vulnerable due to differences in skeletal structure and bone composition. Additionally, women may experience greater bone density loss from osteoporosis, a condition weakening bones. Both men and women typically experience decreased bone density after the age of 50.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

The ACL, a crucial ligament connecting the femur to the tibia, is prone to tears, often causing significant pain and instability in the knee. Such tears frequently occur during athletic activities, particularly from abrupt movements like sudden stops, pivots, or jumps. Traumatic incidents such as vehicular accidents or forceful tackles can also lead to ACL tears. A distinct popping sensation or sound often accompanies the injury, followed by intense pain, swelling, and a sense of knee instability, making physical activity difficult.

In cases where patients have a low activity level, conservative treatment may suffice, involving measures like crutches, knee braces, and targeted exercises to enhance strength and stability. However, for more active individuals, surgery and comprehensive physical rehabilitation are typically necessary.

Meniscus

The menisci, C-shaped cartilages within the knee joint, serve as shock absorbers and facilitate smooth joint motion. Susceptible to injury, particularly from twisting motions common in sports activities, meniscus tears are also prevalent among older adults due to cartilage weakening and knee degeneration. Symptoms of a torn meniscus often include swelling, pain, and restricted movement, sometimes accompanied by audible popping. Difficulty straightening the knee, along with sensations of catching or locking, may also be experienced.

Treatment strategies may involve rest, ice, and medication to alleviate pain and swelling, as well as physical therapy to strengthen knee muscles and enhance joint mobility. In cases of larger or inner-section tears, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary for repair.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

The PCL, another crucial knee ligament connecting the femur to the tibia, contributes to joint stability. Injury to this ligament, often from a sudden blow to the front of the bent knee, can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Causes include contact sports, accidents, or missteps that involve knee twisting.

Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the injury. Rest, bracing, and physical therapy may suffice for minor injuries, while surgery may be required for more significant tears that do not respond to conservative measures.

If you experience hip joint discomfort, along with sensations of catching or clicking during leg movements, a torn labrum may be the underlying cause. The labrum is a ring of tissue encircling the hip socket, serving to deepen it and provide cushioning for the joint. When torn, the labrum can impede smooth hip joint function.

Labral tears commonly occur during athletic pursuits such as football, soccer, golf, or hockey, and can also affect ballet dancers. Additionally, structural abnormalities in the hip joint or degeneration due to osteoarthritis may contribute to labral tears. Symptoms often include groin or front hip pain, exacerbated during physical activity, along with sensations of catching or clicking within the joint during movement.

Treatments

Explore the advanced treatments for hip and knee conditions offered by our experienced orthopedic surgeons. Our treatments aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for patients experiencing discomfort and limitations in daily activities.

Instead of one large incision as in traditional total hip replacement, minimally invasive hip replacement employs one or two small incisions (3-6 inches for a single incision and 1-3 inches for each double incision). The surgeon still has to cut through muscles and tendons to access the joint, but to a lesser degree than in the traditional method. He or she will remove the femoral head and damaged bone and cartilage from the hip socket and replace the hip joint with an artificial one.

Benefits of minimally invasive hip replacement include less damage to soft tissues, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery period. However, the surgery is not for everyone. Candidates are typically younger, healthier, and more active working people or athletes.

In contrast to conventional total knee replacement, minimally invasive knee replacement employs a single small incision, typically measuring 4-6 inches. This technique preserves thigh muscles and adjacent soft tissues. Rather than cutting through them, the surgeon gently moves them aside to access the joint. Subsequently, damaged knee portions are replaced with artificial implants.

This approach offers advantages such as reduced soft tissue damage, diminished pain, shorter hospital stays, and accelerated recovery. However, it is important to note that this surgery is not suitable for everyone; ideal candidates are typically younger and healthier individuals. Physical rehabilitation forms an integral part of the recovery process.

The knee joint is comprised of three compartments: the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (front between the kneecap and femur). In instances where osteoarthritis affects solely one compartment of the knee, partial knee replacement becomes a potential solution as it effectively saves the native tissue of the knee.

Throughout this process, the orthopedic surgeon solely replaces the damaged portion of the knee, leaving the remaining joint intact. This preservation of healthy components aids in maintaining natural function. Further benefits of partial knee replacement encompass smaller incisions, reduced pain and blood loss, and expedited recovery.

Hip resurfacing presents an alternative for individuals with advanced arthritis, offering pain relief and functional restoration without the removal of joint bones as seen in traditional hip replacement surgery. Instead, this procedure involves coating the bone with a smooth metal surface.

During hip resurfacing, your surgeon will make an incision in your thigh, dislocate the femoral head from the socket, and trim the bone while removing damaged cartilage. A metal cap is then cemented over the femoral head, and a metal cup is fitted into the hip socket. Afterward, the femoral head is relocated back into the socket, with a plastic spacer inserted between the two components to facilitate movement.

Compared to hip replacement, hip resurfacing is a bone-sparing and less invasive procedure. Ideal candidates are typically under 60 years old with larger, stronger bones. Following surgery, most individuals can expect to return to their regular activities, free of pain, within approximately six weeks with adequate physical therapy.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, often necessitates hip replacement surgery, known as hip arthroplasty. In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged portion of your hip and substitutes it with an artificial joint.

Traditional total hip replacement entails a lengthy incision (8-12 inches) on the side of your hip. The surgeon cuts through muscle and tendon to access the joint, removing damaged bone and cartilage. Subsequently, the top part of your femur is replaced with a highly polished metal ball, and a plastic socket with an outer metal shell is affixed to your pelvis using surgical screws or cement.

Various types of artificial joints exist, with your surgeon selecting the most suitable one for you. Your new artificial joint aims to restore pain-free movement, enabling you to resume activities you previously enjoyed.

Total knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a common procedure due to the knee's weight-bearing role and its susceptibility to osteoarthritis. If advanced osteoarthritis negatively impacts your quality of life, knee replacement may be necessary.

In traditional total knee replacement, a large incision (8-12 inches long) grants access to the knee joint. The surgeon cuts through leg muscles and move the patella (kneecap) aside. Following removal of damaged bone and cartilage, the joint is replaced with an artificial one.

Artificial knee joints vary in type, with selection based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Most comprise three components: a highly polished metal piece for the femur's (thigh bone) end, a metal and plastic tibial (shin bone) component, and a plastic patellar part. These components may or may not be cemented into place, depending on the specific case.

ACL Tear Repair and More in Central Maryland

Are you experiencing hip or knee joint issues? Do not let pain hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. At Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, we are dedicated to providing top-notch hip and knee treatments, including ACL tear repair, tailored to your needs. Book your appointment online or contact us via Klara messaging for seamless communication. You can also call us at (410) 644-1880 or toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE. If you are in need of physical therapy services, call us at (443) 478-4449 to get started. Let's work together to get you back on track to a pain-free life.