Complications such as infection can happen after any surgical procedure. The surgeon and his or her staff do everything possible to avoid this problem, but it does happen. Besides the obvious reasons such as inadequate sterile technique during surgery, efforts are underway to look for risk factors among patients that might predict post-operative problems of this type. The goal, of course, is to reduce (eliminate!) such complications.

Anytime a common surgical procedure is done, it is important to follow-up and make sure the operation was done safely and had the intended outcomes. In this study, the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were evaluated. The three areas of interest were: 1) number of ACL reconstruction surgeries done between 1997 and 2006, 2) how often these patients need another surgery later, and 3) risk factors to predict readmission and revision rates.

Microfracture repair of defects (holes) in the joint surface has become a popular way to treat significant damage to the articular cartilage of the knee. The procedure involves several steps. First, the surgeon removes any ragged edges along the tear. This is called debridement. Then the layer of calcified (hard) cartilage is removed to expose the subchondral bone. Subchondral just means the bone is right below the articular cartilage -- like subflooring in a house.

Perhaps, but probably not without a little help. Studies show that a loss of muscle strength and power are typical after unilateral knee replacement (UKR). UKR refers to the placement of an implant on one side of the knee (either medial on the inside half of the joint closest to the other knee or lateral on the outside of the joint). Walking speed, recovery from falls, and stairs can all be affected by persistent muscle weakness after this procedure.

This type of knee replacement is designed to replace only the portions of the joint that are most damaged by arthritis. The operation is less invasive than a full knee replacement. There are significant advantages, especially in younger patients who may need to have a second artificial knee replacement as the first one begins to wear out. Removing less bone during the initial operation makes it much easier to perform a revision artificial knee replacement later in life.

Despite more than 30 years of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs, therapists still haven't nailed down the best way to go about rehabilitating this injury. Traditional strength training programs have used resistive exercises to help patients regain motion, strength, and function.

No one really knows the answer to that question yet. A group of researchers from several orthopedic clinics across the United States got together and reviewed all the studies they could find on microfracture. They were specifically looking at long-term results.

You are not alone in this dilemma. Rehabilitation after ACL injuries is often a lengthy process with therapy two to three times a week for several months and a home program for much longer than that. Studies show that athletes preparing to return to their individual sports programs often continue improving in strength, agility, speed, and control for up to 24-months after the surgery.

Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee are common among adults of all ages. Athletes seem to be the primary patient population but they are not alone. Adults of all ages but especially between 20 and 40 are among the most common patients to present with traumatic or degenerative injury of the ACL.

Knee replacements are common among older adults with painful joint arthritis. It has been assumed that the decrease in pain after recovery from joint replacement surgery translates into improved motion, strength, and function. But physical therapists working with these patients have noticed problems with climbing stairs and a slower walking speed long after recovery and rehab.