• How Can Surgery Relieve Knee Pain?
• What are the Types of Knee Surgery?
• What is Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery?
• When Should You See a Knee Surgeon?

Melissa Kleber’s love for tap dancing and hiking had always been a big part of her life. However, persistent knee pain that plagued her for nearly four decades had made these passions increasingly challenging to pursue.

It was this unwavering pain that led her on a path to transformation through knee surgery, a journey that would be guided by Joseph W. Greene, M.D., a board-certified knee surgeon at the Louisville Hip and Knee Institute, specializing in partial and total knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, and revision joint replacement. Melissa’s story is a testament to the huge impact of surgical intervention and the expertise of orthopaedic surgery. 

Melissa’s journey towards renewed vitality and mobility began when she decided to undergo surgery to relieve this pain that had been overshadowing her life for years. 

In Melissa’s words, “For the first time in almost 40 years, I have a stable knee.” The significance of this statement cannot be overstated. The nagging pain and instability that had plagued her for decades were finally becoming a thing of the past. Melissa’s knee surgery marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to reclaim her passions and enjoy life to the fullest.

Surgery can effectively relieve knee pain by addressing the underlying causes of discomfort, restoring joint function, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from various knee conditions. Here are some ways in which surgery can alleviate knee pain:

Repairing or Replacing Damaged Structures

Knee surgery can repair or replace damaged structures within the knee joint, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. For example, meniscectomy and meniscus repair address torn or damaged meniscus cartilage, while tendon repair surgery fixes injured tendons. This restoration of damaged components can significantly reduce pain.

Realigning the Joint

Some surgical procedures, like osteotomy and patellar realignment, aim to correct knee joint alignment issues. Realigning the knee, the surgery redistributes forces within the joint, reducing wear and tear in specific areas and relieving pain.

Replacing Arthritic or Degenerated Joints 

Total and partial knee replacement surgeries are particularly effective in cases of severe arthritis or advanced joint degeneration. By replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic implant, these surgeries eliminate the pain associated with the deteriorating joint surfaces.

Removing Irritated Tissues

Procedures such as synovectomy can help alleviate knee pain by removing inflamed or irritated synovial tissue within the joint. This tissue often contributes to pain and swelling in conditions like synovitis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Addressing Complications

Revision knee replacement surgery is performed when complications arise from a prior knee replacement. This procedure can eliminate pain caused by implant issues, infection, or loosening of components.

Improving Stability and Function

Knee surgery aims to restore the stability and function of the joint, which, in turn, reduces pain. For example, after a successful knee surgery, patients often find they can walk, climb stairs, and engage in physical activities without the discomfort they experienced before. 

Minimizing Inflammation

Surgery can help reduce inflammation within the knee, as inflamed tissues are often a source of pain. Removing damaged tissue, as in the case of meniscectomy or synovectomy, can alleviate inflammation and pain.

Knee surgery procedures are tailored to address a variety of problems and conditions. The choice of surgery depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the patient. Consulting with an orthoapedic surgeon is essential to determine the most suitable approach for each case.

Here are a few procedures available for those experiencing knee pain: 

Partial Knee Replacement

A partial knee replacement, or unicompartmental knee replacement, involves replacing only one part of the knee joint, typically the medial or lateral compartment, when that portion is significantly damaged due to conditions like osteoarthritis or injury.

Total Knee Replacement 

Total knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a procedure where the entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This surgery is typically performed to alleviate severe arthritis or advanced joint degeneration that affects the entire knee.

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement is a surgical procedure performed when a previous knee replacement implant has worn out or developed complications. It involves removing and replacing the old implant with a new one.

Meniscectomy – Knee Arthroscopy 

Meniscectomy through knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to address torn or damaged meniscus cartilage. It involves the removal of damaged tissue to alleviate pain and improve knee function.

Tendon Repair

Tendon repair surgery is performed to fix damaged tendons in the knee, which may be torn or partially ruptured due to injuries or overuse. The procedure aims to restore tendon function and joint stability.

Joint Revision

Joint revision surgery may be required when a previous knee replacement surgery has complications, such as implant loosening or infection. This procedure involves removing and replacing the existing implant to restore proper joint function.

Minimally invasive knee surgery, often called knee arthroscopy, is a surgical technique used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. 

During this procedure, a knee surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope and specialized surgical instruments. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to visualize the inside of the knee joint in real-time.

Some benefits of minimally invasive knee surgery include: 

• Smaller incisions
• Reduced pain
• Faster recovery
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Lower infection risk
• Minimal muscle damage
• Improved cosmetic outcome
• Reduced discomfort
• Faster rehabilitation
• Precise visualization

You should consider seeing a knee surgeon if you experience any of the following conditions or symptoms related to your knee:

• Persistent knee pain
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling and inflammation
• Instability
• Injury or trauma
• Locking or catching sensation
• Reduced function
• Osteoarthritis
• Failed conservative treatment
• Chronic knee conditions
• Previous knee surgery complications

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to consult with an orthopaedic knee surgeon for a thorough evaluation and customized treatment plan. They can diagnose the underlying problem, discuss treatment options, and help you make informed decisions about your knee health and mobility.

Melissa’s knee surgery allowed her to return to tap dancing, a lifelong passion that her knee pain had curtailed. After the successful procedure, she could once again tap dance with freedom from pain and limited movement. The surgery not only relieved her pain but also restored her confidence in her ability to move and go on hiking adventures. 

Melissa says of her experience with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Greene, “When I first met Dr. Greene, he sat down and spent an incredible amount of time with us and answered every question we had.” 

Melissa Kleber’s journey from enduring knee pain to rediscovering her passion for tap dancing is an inspiring tale of the transformative power of knee surgery. Her experience is a testament to a well-performed procedure’s incredible impact and the right medical care can have on a person’s quality of life. 

If you have endured knee pain long enough, talk to one of our orthopaedic specialists.