When chronic knee pain arises and won’t subside, don’t put off treatment. Seek a skilled and reputable knee orthopaedic surgeon to assess and diagnose the problem so that you can get onto the road to recovery. You deserve the best treatment possible, and the best knee orthopaedic surgeon in Gauteng to consult is Dr Jan de Vos.
A Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon vs Your General Practitioner
A knee orthopaedic surgeon offers a variety of services related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of knee-related conditions and injuries. Consulting with a knee orthopaedic surgeon is generally preferred over visiting a general practitioner (GP) due to several reasons including their specialised expertise and advanced treatment options. Your knee orthopaedic surgeon can give a comprehensive evaluation of your knee condition, individualised care, and finally, surgical expertise that your GP can’t necessarily assist with.
What You Can Expect from Your Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon
Services you can expect may include:
- Assessment and Diagnosis:
The knee condition will be evaluated by the orthopaedic surgeon through a thorough assessment, which includes a detailed review of your medical history and a physical examination. To assist in the diagnosis, the surgeon may also request imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans.
- Non-Surgical Treatments:
Before contemplating surgery, knee orthopaedic surgeons frequently explore non-surgical treatment alternatives. They may suggest conservative methods like physical therapy, medications, assistive devices such as braces or crutches, injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, or other interventions to relieve pain and enhance knee function.
- Knee Arthroscopy:
Knee orthopaedic surgeons utilise minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of diverse knee conditions. Arthroscopy entails the use of a small camera called an arthroscope, which is inserted through small incisions to visualise and repair damaged structures within the knee joint, such as ligaments, cartilage, or menisci.
- Knee Replacement Surgery:
In cases of severe knee arthritis or significant joint damage, knee orthopaedic surgeons may recommend knee replacement surgery. This procedure involves removing damaged portions of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial joint components (prosthetics) to restore function and reduce pain.
- Ligament Reconstruction:
Knee orthopaedic surgeons specialise in reconstructing torn or damaged knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL). They use surgical techniques to repair or reconstruct these ligaments to restore knee stability.
- Meniscus Repair or Resection:
Knee orthopaedic surgeons can perform surgical procedures to repair or remove damaged or torn menisci. Meniscus repair aims to preserve the meniscus whenever possible, while meniscectomy involves removing the damaged portion of the meniscus.
- Cartilage Restoration:
When knee cartilage is damaged, orthopaedic surgeons may employ techniques such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral grafting to stimulate new cartilage growth or replace damaged cartilage with healthy tissue.
A knee orthopaedic surgeon typically provides a range of services, and the recommended treatment or procedure will vary based on the individual’s condition and the expertise and evaluation of the surgeon.
If you are situated in Gauteng and you think you need to consult with a knee orthopaedic surgeon, then look no further than Dr Jan de Vos. Visit our website to book an appointment online.
