Knee Orthopedic Care at Maimonides

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it’s also one of the most complex. It’s made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The knee joint is held together by ligaments, and the knee cap is held in place by tendons.

Healthy knees are able to bear weight and allow you to move freely. However, when the knee is injured or damaged, it can be very painful and make it difficult to move.

There are a variety of orthopedic knee conditions that can impact your quality of life. If you’re in need of orthopedic knee surgery, the team at Maimonides is here to help. At the Maimonides Bone and Joint Center, we offer a full range of orthopedic knee surgery options, from minimally invasive procedures to complex joint replacements.

  • ​​One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for orthopedic surgery two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Recipient of Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Awards for two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Named among the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services for two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Five-Star recipient for hip fracture and total knee replacement for 2023

To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.

The Anatomy of the Knee

The two bones that form the knee joint are the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). The patella (kneecap) sits in front of the knee joint and protects it. The round knobs at the end of the femur and tibia are called condyles. The lower end of the femur has two condyles—the medial (inner) condyle and the lateral (outer) condyle. The medial and lateral condyles of the femur fit into the corresponding depressions on the upper end of the tibia, which also has two condyles—the medial and lateral condyles.

When bones move, they glide over each other smoothly thanks to a layer of cartilage. The knee joint has two types of cartilage—articular cartilage and meniscus cartilage. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint and allows them to glide smoothly over each other. The meniscus cartilage is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur and tibia and acts as a shock absorber.

The menisci are cartilaginous pads that provide additional stability, shock absorption, and lubrication for the knee joint. There are two menisci in each knee—the medial (inner) meniscus and the lateral (outer) meniscus.

Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. There are four main ligaments in the knee joint—the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

Finally, muscles and tendons surround the knee joint and help to move the knee. The quadriceps muscle is a large muscle at the front of the thigh. It attaches to the patella via the quadriceps tendon and helps to straighten the leg. The hamstring muscles are a group of three muscles at the back of the thigh. They attach to the bones in the lower leg and help to bend the leg at the knee.

Common Knee Conditions

A number of conditions can impact the knee joint and cause pain. Some of the most common knee conditions include:

Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type that affects the knee is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

ACL Tears

The ACL is one of the main ligaments in the knee joint. It runs from the femur to the tibia and helps to stabilize the knee. An ACL tear is a common orthopedic injury, especially among athletes.

An ACL tear can occur suddenly, such as during a sports injury, or gradually over time. Symptoms of an ACL tear include knee pain, swelling, and instability.

Meniscal Tears

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur and tibia. It acts as a shock absorber for the knee joint. A meniscal tear is a common orthopedic injury. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.

MCL Tears

The MCL is one of the main ligaments in the knee joint. It runs from the femur to the tibia and helps to stabilize the knee. MCL tears can occur suddenly, such as during a sports injury, or gradually over time. Symptoms of an MCL tear include knee pain, swelling, and instability.

Orthopedic Knee Surgery and Other Procedures

There are a number of orthopedic procedures that can be used to treat knee conditions. An orthopedic knee doctor can determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

Orthopedic knee surgeries can include:

Total Knee Replacement

When other treatments are not effective, a total knee replacement may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. Patients usually leave the hospital the same day or stay for one night after the procedure. Home physical therapy will be set up upon discharge.

ACL Reconstruction

The ACL can be reconstructed surgically. This procedure is often used for athletes who have suffered an ACL tear.
Arthroscopic meniscal surgery

The meniscus can be repaired surgically by stitching it back together or the damaged part can be removed if the torn piece restricts the range of motion of the knee and causes pain. This minimally invasive procedure is often used for patients with a meniscal tear.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, stiffness, or swelling, you may be dealing with an orthopedic condition. Make an appointment with an orthopedic knee specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
6010 Bay Parkway
7th & 8th Floors
Brooklyn, NY 11204
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone for all locations: 718-283-7400
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
6010 Bay Parkway
1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204

Telephone for all locations: 718-283-8962 
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center – Brooklyn Heights
26 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone: 718-283-7400
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center – Kings Highway
1715 East 13th Street
4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone: 718-258-2588
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
1715 East 13th Street
Suite 402
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Telephone: 718-258-1238
Maimonides Medical Center Ambulatory Health Services Network (AHSN)
Orthopedic Services
948 48th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Telephone: 718-283-7431

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