Knee Specialist and Board Certified Knee Surgeon in Los Angeles, CA
The knee joint is placed under enormous stress each day during normal activities of daily living, work and sports participation. Because of its size and complex structure, the knee is one of the most easily injured joints in the human body. Dr. Mark Getelman, knee specialist and board certified knee surgeon in Los Angeles, visits with patients on a regular basis who report joint pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility caused by a traumatic event, overuse or aging. Any individual living in the Greater Los Angeles, California communities experiencing knee discomfort is encouraged to contact Dr. Getelman for an injury diagnosis and treatment plan in either of his convenient offices in Van Nuys or Thousand Oaks
An Overview on the Knee Joint
As the largest joint in the body, the knee is composed of a sophisticated structure of ligaments, cartilage, tendons, muscles and bones. When increased force or pressure is applied to the joint during a traumatic event, such as a fall, collision or awkward landing, one or more of the knee’s structures may become injured. Overuse of the joint from repetitive stress and degeneration during the body’s aging process are also common causes of a knee injury or chronic condition.
Individuals with a knee injury or degenerative condition often experience joint pain, swelling, stiffness and instability, as well as a “locking” or “catching” sensation when the affected joint is in motion. If a more serious injury occurs, such as a ligament tear, individuals may also experience a “pop” sensation at the time of the tear.
Common Knee Injuries and Degenerative Conditions Diagnosed and Treated by a Knee Specialist
As a minimally invasive knee specialist, Dr. Getelman diagnoses and treats a variety of knee injuries and degenerative conditions. The most common knee disorders include ligament tears, cartilage injuries, dislocations, arthritis and fractures. In more severe cases with contact sports, automobile accidents and other high-energy collisions, several structures within the joint may become injured during one traumatic event leaving the knee unstable and non-functional.
Dr. Getelman, knee specialist, treats these common knee injuries and conditions:
- ACL tear
- Multiple ligament injury
- Knee arthritis
- Lower extremity malalignment
- MCL tear
- Meniscus tear
- Patellar tendonitis
- PCL injury
- Failed ACL surgery
- Anterolateral ligament insufficiency
- Patellar or Quadriceps tendon rupture
Knee Surgeon in Los Angeles Offering Arthroscopic Treatment Options
Dr. Getelman commonly begins treatment of a knee injury with traditional, non-surgical measures. Treatment often includes rest, ice, bracing, modified activities, medications and a physical therapy program. If the injury does not heal with non-operative measures, or if a complex injury is present, Dr. Getelman may recommend a minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure in order to return patients to their usual activities in less time and with less pain compared to traditional open surgeries.
As a knee surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Getelman performs these arthroscopic procedures:
- ACL reconstruction
- ACL revision surgery
- Knee cartilage repair
- Patella Realignment and MPFL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- PCL reconstruction
- MCL and Posterolateral reconstruction
- Arthrofibrosis surgery
- Joint preservation for osteoarthritis
Individuals living in the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California area suffering from knee pain and other troublesome symptoms are encouraged to contact Dr. Mark Getelman, knee specialist and board certified knee surgeon in Los Angeles, for a diagnosis and treatment options.