Whether an ACL injury requires surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on the patient's activity level, degree of injury and instability symptoms. This article is intended to assist patients in making the best-informed decision possible regarding the management of ACL injury.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A cortisone shot is a simple in-office procedure in which a steroid is injected into a joint in combination with an anesthetic. Cortisone shots help to reduce the pain associated with many joint conditions, such as arthritis and bursitis, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and the major types that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatment options to help relieve pain and stay active.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
One of the most common knee injuries is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear. Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament are rare; most ACL injuries are complete or near complete tears.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Small tears of the tendon can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery and physical therapy to regain full knee function.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscus tears. However, anyone at any age can tear a meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (pronounced en-saids), are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Over-the-counter, nonprescription NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
If simple treatments like medications and using walking supports no longer relieve knee arthritis symptoms, you may want to consider surgery. Knee replacement surgery is an effective procedure to relieve pain, correct leg deformity, and help you resume everyday activities.| orthoinfo.aaos.org