Specialized evaluation and treatment for knee arthritis, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, cartilage damage, kneecap instability and painful or failed knee replacements.
Knee pain may come from arthritis, a torn meniscus, ligament damage, cartilage loss, kneecap instability or a problem related to a previous knee replacement. An accurate diagnosis comes before a treatment decision.
Our orthopedic surgeons evaluate the history of your symptoms, physical examination findings, X-rays, MRI studies when appropriate, activity level and treatment goals.
Some patients improve with activity modification, medication, physical therapy, bracing or injections. Others may benefit from arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, partial knee replacement, total knee replacement or revision surgery.
The objective is not simply to identify an abnormality on an image. It is to determine which finding is actually responsible for your symptoms and which treatment is most likely to help.
Begin with the problem that most closely matches your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced motion and difficulty standing, walking or climbing stairs. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the arthritis as well as its effect on daily life.
Meniscus injuries may cause joint-line pain, swelling, catching, locking or pain with twisting and squatting. Treatment may include rehabilitation, injections, meniscus repair or selective removal of damaged tissue depending on the tear.
An ACL tear commonly occurs during pivoting, cutting, landing or sudden changes of direction. Patients may describe a pop, immediate swelling or repeated episodes of the knee giving way.
The patella may shift partially or completely out of position after an injury or because of underlying alignment and ligament factors. Recurrent instability can damage cartilage and limit confidence in the knee.
Knee replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis causes substantial pain or loss of function despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
Knee replacement is not one identical operation for every patient. Planning may include implant selection, alignment strategy, ligament balance, the pattern of arthritis and whether damage is limited to one compartment or involves the entire knee.
Appropriate patients may also qualify for an outpatient or same-day discharge pathway with coordinated preparation and recovery planning.
Patients with a history of skin reactions to jewelry, watches, belt buckles, metal buttons or other metal exposure should discuss those concerns before knee replacement. Implant selection can be individualized for patients with a known or suspected metal sensitivity. Metal sensitivity may also be considered as one part of a broader evaluation for unexplained symptoms after a previous knee replacement.
A focal cartilage injury is different from widespread, end-stage arthritis. Selected patients may be candidates for procedures intended to repair or restore a damaged area of cartilage.
MACI uses a patient’s own cultured cartilage cells to treat certain symptomatic cartilage defects in the knee.
Learn About MACI ›The appropriate treatment depends on defect size, depth, location, alignment, meniscus condition and the health of the surrounding knee.
Explore Cartilage Restoration ›Imaging and examination help distinguish an isolated cartilage defect from generalized arthritis that may require a different treatment path.
Schedule an Evaluation ›Persistent pain after knee replacement should be evaluated systematically. A revision operation should not be recommended until the likely source of the symptoms has been identified and the potential benefits and limitations of additional surgery have been discussed.
A painful knee replacement evaluation may include examination, review of prior operative records, current X-rays, comparison with earlier imaging and additional testing when appropriate.
Understanding the procedure, preparation and expected recovery can help patients approach surgery with clearer expectations.
Review practical steps that may help you prepare your health, home and support system before knee surgery.
How to Prepare ›Learn about early mobility, physical therapy, swelling, pain management and the general progression after knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Recovery ›Review the diagnosis, imaging and proposed procedure before committing to knee replacement or revision surgery.
Request a Second Opinion ›Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists provides orthopedic knee care for patients throughout Atlanta, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Walton County and surrounding communities.
Consider an evaluation when knee pain, swelling, stiffness, locking or instability persists, limits normal activities, follows a significant injury or does not improve with initial treatment. Urgent evaluation may be appropriate when you cannot bear weight, the knee is visibly deformed or symptoms suggest a serious injury or infection.
No. Treatment depends on the tear pattern, location, symptoms, patient age, activity goals and the presence of arthritis. Some tears improve with nonsurgical care, while repair or arthroscopic treatment may be considered for selected symptomatic tears.
Knee replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis produces substantial pain or functional limitation and reasonable nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. The decision should be based on symptoms, examination, imaging, health and personal goals.
Many appropriately selected patients may qualify for outpatient or same-day discharge knee replacement. Medical health, home support, mobility, surgical factors and the individual recovery plan all contribute to the decision.
Tell your surgeon about reactions to jewelry, watches, belt buckles, metal buttons or prior implants before surgery. A reported skin sensitivity does not automatically predict a joint-replacement reaction, but it is relevant to preoperative discussion and implant selection.
Possible causes include infection, loosening, instability, stiffness, alignment concerns, kneecap problems, fracture, implant wear, tendon dysfunction or pain referred from another area. Metal sensitivity is one possible consideration, but it should not be assumed to be the cause without a broader evaluation.
Yes. A second opinion can review your symptoms, imaging, diagnosis, nonsurgical alternatives and the type of operation proposed. It can be especially valuable before total knee replacement, partial knee replacement or revision surgery.
Whether you are dealing with a new injury, progressive arthritis or pain after a previous knee replacement, the first step is identifying the source of the problem and reviewing the options that fit your goals.
This information is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis or individualized medical advice. Treatment recommendations vary according to each patient’s condition, imaging, health and goals.