Knee

Expert Treatment for Knee Conditions

Whether caused by a sports injury, an accident, or gradual wear and tear, knee pain can limit the ability to live one’s best life. ValleyOrtho utilizes both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to treat patients who are suffering with pain, loss of mobility and muscle weakness due to conditions or injuries in the knee.

ValleyOrtho is committed to being the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused, comprehensive musculoskeletal care in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond by providing highly specialized treatment plans for those experiencing knee pain in a well-coordinated manner, focusing on one patient at a time.

Our Aspen, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs knee doctors treat:

  • Knee Arthritis
  • Ligament Tears (including the ACL, MCL, PCL & LCL)
  • Meniscal Injuries
  • Cartilage injuries & Osteochondral Defects
  • Hamstring Tears
  • Prepatellar bursitis
  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease
  • Patellofemoral Pain and Instability
  • Baker’s Cyst
  • Fractures and dislocations

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Knee Condition Spotlights

  • There are four main ligaments that stabilize the knee. The ACL is located in the center of the knee and is primarily responsible for stabilizing knee rotation that occurs during cutting and pivoting activities.

    The ACL stabilizes the knee by:

    1. The ligament provides protection against excessive anterior and rotational movement of the knee through its connection to the lower leg bone (tibia) and thighbone (femur).
    2. The ACL provides sensory feedback to help with balance and proper knee positioning during activity.

     

    Our ACL doctors in Aspen, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs specialize in providing highly specialized treatment plans for patients with ACL injuries.

     

    Learn more about ACL Tears

  • The meniscus cartilage in the knee includes 2 pieces: a medial (inside) meniscus and a lateral (outside) meniscus, which are referred together as menisci. The menisci are wedge shaped, and are thinner toward the center of the knee and thicker toward the outside of the knee joint. This shape is very important to its function.

    The primary function of the menisci is to increase the weight bearing surface and distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. A relatively round femur (upper leg/thigh bone) sitting on a relatively flat tibia (shin bone) forms the knee joint. The wedge shaped menisci increase the joint contact surface area and provide shock absorption, lubrication and joint stability to the knee.

     

    Learn more about Meniscal Injuries

  • Osteoarthritis of the knee results from a progressive breakdown (“wear and tear”) of the articular cartilage covering the joint surfaces on the lower end of the thighbone (femur) and the upper end of the lower leg bone (tibia) and/or the backside of the knee-cap (patella). Gradual loss of this cartilage increases the joint friction, and in extreme cases allows bone to rub against bone. In both cases, pain, swelling and stiffness are common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Some arthritic change is normal and expected as we age however, severe knee arthritis can interfere with activities of daily living and can limit one’s lifestyle.

     

    Learn more about Osteoarthritis of the Knee

  • There are 2 collateral ligaments in each knee. They connect the lower end of the thighbone (femur) to the upper end of the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula).

    The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a flat band ligament located on the inside, or “medial” side of the knee and keeps the knee from bending inward.

    The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is cord-like ligament on the outer side, or “lateral” side of the knee and keeps the knee from bending outward. It is less frequently sprained as the MCL, but can be injured when a direct force is applied to the inside of the knee.

     

    Learn more about Knee Collateral Ligament Injuries

FAQs - ACL tears

Providers at ValleyOrtho treat a wide variety of knee injuries and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the more common, often caused by running, jumping and pivoting.

Here are some common questions with answers about ACL tears.

How do you tell if I tore my ACL?

  • In addition to pain and swelling, patients may report a “popping” sound when injured. Another common symptom is the feeling that the knee is “giving out.” Whereas some individuals are able to cope without an ACL, others will continue to experience knee instability and may suffer secondary damage to the knee.

Can you still walk with a torn ACL?

  • While you are still able to walk with a torn ACL, it can be painful. You should be able to walk in a straight line but are not able to pivot or make sudden turns, and should avoid doing so.

Can an ACL heal without surgery?

  • A torn ACL will not heal on its own, but you can live your life without having surgery. You might need to switch to a sport that does not involve pivoting on your knee, such as swimming or running. Rehabilitation with a physical therapist is another option to consider instead of surgery.

How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?

  • Recovery can vary depending on the level of activity you would like to return to. Most patients are back to their normal daily activities around three months, while others may need approximately eight months to a year in order to get back to their activities.

How long after ACL surgery can you walk?

  • Within two to four weeks patients can be walking unassisted for short periods of time. Around the 10 to 12-week mark is when a patient could participate in brisk walking and light jogging.

Is ACL surgery a major surgery?

  • Although patients go home the same day of their ACL surgery, it still is considered a major surgery. You will be given general anesthesia, have pain and swelling post-surgery and will need to complete a rehabilitation program.