Selecting a Surgeon

At The Knee and Shoulder Centers we have the subspecialty training and experience to make such complex decisions and perform these difficult procedures. In addition, with advanced anesthetic and postoperative pain management techniques, almost all reconstructive knee ligament surgery can now be performed arthroscopically, on an outpatient basis, making the entire experience more comfortable and less disruptive. We take prudent precautions for your safety and have an extremely low rate of surgical complications. While we do not take "short-cuts" in treating our patients, the surgical incisions we make are the smallest that are technically possible. We perform all of our surgery personally, from start to finish. We also routinely utilize post-operative cryotherapy for pain control in addition to advanced pharmacological pain management and a portable device that allows continuous passive knee motion ("C.P.M.") treatment to be taken right into your home. These measures combine to reduce the discomforts of reconstructive knee surgery and facilitate early healing, while at the same time reducing complications such as excessive swelling and knee joint stiffness. Most students and individuals who hold an office job can be back attending school / work within five to ten days of surgery, as long as they can elevate their leg while seated. The healing time required to return to driving will usually vary from one to six weeks, depending on which leg was operated upon, the type of vehicle transmission used, and the particular surgical procedure performed. Securely implanted grafts allow most patients to be placed in a sports-type ACL brace for walking without crutches within two weeks postoperatively. A return to full, unrestricted athletic or heavy work activities will typically take 5 to 8 months, depending on the particular surgical procedure performed, how well the patient tolerates it, and how diligently rehabilitation is pursued. Detailed, written physical therapy protocols, customized to your particular surgical situation, are dispensed to your physical therapist. This facilitates a safe, structured progression through your course of rehabilitation.

	If you have a question concerning your own or a family member's knee condition, you are invited to have those questions answered by way of a consultation here at The Knee and Shoulder Centers. We have anatomic charts, models, and educational videotapes available to help you participate actively in the medical assessment and decision - making process.