Knee Replacement in Meridian, ID

The ACL is a key stabilizer of the knee. A complete tear will not heal on its own, so it needs to be reconstructed by replacing the torn ligament with a graft from another location. A “less vital” tendon may be harvested from another part of your body (autograft) or a cadaver (allograft) to reconstruct your ACL through bone tunnels in your tibia and femur. Autografts are preferred if possible. Rehab is crucial with these, and can take 9-12 months for appropriate strengthening prior to return to competitive sports.

Cartilage injuries can occur for virtually any reason, but usually in young athletes who routinely stress the knee. Ignoring treatment for too long can cause permanent knee damage. Treatment options differ based on both the patient and severity. Non-surgical treatments vary, while surgical options may include arthroscopy to remove broken pieces of cartilage floating in the knee joint and to smooth out the cartilage with a shaver. Other surgical treatments may include microfracture, OATS (Osteochondral Autologous or allogeneic Transplantation), autologous chondrocyte implantation, or partial knee replacement.

Advanced techniques in knee arthroscopy are utilized at Blackrock Orthopedics. Arthroscopy is used to surgically treat many conditions and injuries within the knee including repairing or cleaning/trimming meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, ACL and PCL injuries and numerous other knee issues.

Sometimes the leg may be "bow legged" or "knock kneed" (Varus or Valgus) alignment. If appropriate a tibial or femoral osteotomy is surgically performed. This means cutting the bone in a strategic and planned way, then fixing the bone in a straight alignment to improve the mechanics and forces through your knee.

Knee replacements (also known as total knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement, knee resurfacing, or TKA) are usually performed for arthritis of the knee, which is when the cartilage wears out. You may hear the term "bone on bone arthritis", the classic reason for a knee replacement. Knee replacements are among the most successful orthopedic surgeries, and Dr. Winegar performs hundreds every year. He utilizes robotics and computer navigation technology to significantly increase accuracy and precision in both total and partial knee replacements. This doesn’t just boost temporary success, but longevity as well.

The procedure involves replacing a partial or total knee implant with a new implant. Due to the precision required, and the multi-step process, a skilled surgeon with many years of experience is a must. Fortunately, this has long been one of Dr. Winegar’s specialties. Patients can expect a smooth procedure, recovery, and a long-lasting new implant.

The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is often torn during a trauma where the knee is forced inward, causing pain on the medial side of the knee. If the MCL is completely torn it will likely need surgery to repair it back to the femur or tibia to stabilize the knee. If not repaired correctly, the knee could continue to be unstable, cause pain and even future arthritis. Dr. Winegar performs this type of surgery on an outpatient basis. Six weeks with a brace is standard, so the healing ligament can be protected.

Meniscus tears are common after a twisting injury or may be degenerative from wear and tear. They can cause significant pain, mechanical symptoms and can sometimes flip up into the joint causing a block in motion. They rarely heal on their own, and if not treated appropriately they can enlarge or further degrade the joint. Dr. Winegar performs these surgeries as outpatient procedures. They typically take 30 to 60 minutes based on severity. Depending on the MRI and what the tear looks like during arthroscopy, the tear may be repaired or trimmed. Patients may be on crutches from 1-6 weeks after surgery depending on if a repair is required, or if there are other associated injuries.

A very successful procedure, these are ideal when the knee has arthritis localized to only one part. Even though a total knee replacement has tremendous success, patients generally have greater satisfaction, functional scores and a quicker recovery with this option compared to a total knee replacement.

Trauma to the kneecap can cause fracture or a broken kneecap. X-rays will determine whether the fracture will need to be fixed surgically with hardware.

Tendons around the kneecap can tear spontaneously or during a traumatic event. These usually need a heavy suture surgery to fix the tendon back to the kneecap. Dr. Winegar specializes in these types of injuries around and within the knee.

The kneecap (patella) may dislocate due to trauma, hyperlaxity of ligaments, or congenital differences and alignment of the bones. When it dislocates, the stabilizing ligament (MPFL, or medial patellofemoral ligament) tears almost 100% of the time. This is the main soft tissue stabilizer of the knee cap. Every time the kneecap dislocates there is the possibility of cartilage damage within the knee, which can lead to arthritis. To prevent further dislocation and damage to the knee, the MPFL is reconstructed to stabilize the knee cap. Sometimes the bone alignment must also be fixed by cutting and straightening, a procedure called a tibial tubercle osteotomy and realignment.