The Knee has 2 joints, the tibiofemoral joint and the patella-femoral joint. The tibiofemoral joint is where the femur articulates with the tibial plateau. The patella-femoral joint is the way the patella articulates with the femur. The cartilage that covers these joints can be damaged over time and cause chronic pain and impede daily living.
Symptoms
Chronic Knee Pain
Diagnosis
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your knee.
Surgery
The surgeon will place prostheses on all aspects of the joints articulating surfaces. There will be artificial prostheses on the femoral condyles, the tibial plateau and behind the patella. These coverings replace the damaged cartilage at the joint lines. The knee stability comes from the congruity of the joint, as well as, the muscles that surround the knee.
Rehab
Following surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles that surround and help to stabilize your knee: your quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, and calf muscles.
Your therapist will also stress getting full knee flexion and knee extension.
Your physician may suggest you use an ambulatory device; such as forearm crutches or a cane.
