Knee Surgery
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Dr. Matthew Pifer
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon & Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon located in Santa Barbara, CA
When a knee injury can’t heal properly, or significant joint degeneration has occurred, knee surgery provides a path to relief. Matthew Pifer, MD, has completed hundreds of surgical procedures for residents of Santa Barbara, California, and beyond. He understands the techniques required to repair joint damage and restore pain-free joint function. Schedule a knee surgery consultation online or by phone today to learn more.
Knee Surgery Q & A
What causes knee pain?
Some cases of knee pain stem from a clear source, like an injury or strain, while others develop over time and have no clear cause. Many different things can lead to knee pain, including:
- Fracture
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Torn meniscus
- Patellar tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Dislocated kneecap
- Medial collateral ligament
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Traumatic injury
One of the most common causes of knee pain is arthritis, which is a chronic condition characterized by joint inflammation and degeneration. When the tissues that enable smooth and pain-free joint movement wear away, surgery is often the best possible solution.
What kinds of knee surgery are possible?
Dr. Pifer is experienced in numerous types of knee surgery and can help you determine which treatment path is right for you. He takes a conservative approach to joint pain and makes every effort to find a path that relies on less invasive treatment options.
When the need for knee surgery arises, Dr. Pifer can offer numerous different procedures.
Arthroscopic knee surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is often used to treat knee pain and works by introducing a tiny fiber-optic camera and light into the joint to give Dr. Pifer a view of the joint components. He then performs the necessary repairs using thin surgical tools inserted into small incisions. A single incision approach is an option in certain cases.
Open knee surgery
In some cases, open surgery is the best option. While this approach requires a more lengthy recovery time, it’s sometimes the only effective way to complete the necessary repairs.
What is the recovery process like after knee surgery?
Your recovery depends in large part on the type of knee surgery you have and your overall health. Dr. Pifer explains what to expect and how you can ease the recovery process prior to your surgery date.
Following those instructions can make a huge difference in your recovery. One of the biggest challenges for most men and women is finding the right balance between mobilizing the knee joint enough to facilitate healing while avoiding placing undue strain on the joint and risking reinjury.
Physical therapy may play a role in your treatment plan. This process involves working with a practitioner to enhance your joint strength and flexibility. You move through a series of exercises during each session and receive instructions on how to continue your progress at home.
To learn more about knee surgery and the recovery process, call or schedule an appointment online today with Matthew Pifer, MD.
