Platelet rich plasma, commonly called PRP, has been promoted widely as a potential treatment for helping injured musculoskeletal tissues to heal. Platelet rich plasma contains high concentrations of several growth factors. The alpha granules that are present in platelets are full of these growth factors. Platelet rich plasma has been used worldwide for multiple indications […]
Patients who have patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral arthritis that is localized to certain portions of the patellofemoral joint (kneecap), may be candidates for a tibial tubercle osteotomy. In this circumstance, the tibial tubercle is either elevated or moved distally (away from the center) and elevated to try to restore a more […]
A trochleoplasty is a rare procedure that is performed in patients that have type B or type D trochlear dysplasia. In these patients, the trochlea can be either flat or dome shaped, which results in severe instability of the patellofemoral joint.
A lateral patellotibial ligament reconstruction is performed for patients to undo the symptoms of medial patella instability after a lateral release. In those circumstances, the patients commonly have symptomatic medial patellar instability. A thorough clinical exam, as well as the use of reverse McConnell taping, can commonly help to decide […]
Patellofemoral joint injuries are common musculoskeletal issues that can affect individuals of all ages. They represent the most diagnosed injuries among sports medicine specialists and can result from a myriad of causes—most common are sports related activities, overuse, and trauma to the kneecap.
In patients who have severe progressive knee arthritis, which limits their function, the main form of treatment may be a total knee arthroplasty—also known as total knee replacement surgery. With a total knee arthroplasty, a saw, chisel and other instruments are used to remove the ends of the bones at the knee […]
It is estimated that in the next 25 years at least 71 million Americans will have some form of arthritis, a degenerative condition of the joints, creating pain, swelling and limited movement for sufferers. Osteoarthritis is notably one of the most debilitating forms of arthritis and is characterized by the deterioration of
When a patient has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, the first step in treatment is to try and determine ways to avoid those activities that cause the symptoms. If surgery is the recommended course of action, Dr. LaPrade will discuss each technique and offer a treatment solution based upon the progression of […]
The menisci are made of fibrocartilage and act as shock absorbers for the joint. They have a blood supply on the outer third, with the inner portion of the meniscus not having any blood supply. In addition, the inner portion is much thinner than the thicker outer portion, which attaches to the joint lining. […]
The root attachments of the posterior horns of the medial and lateral meniscus are very important for joint health. When these are torn, the loading of the joint is equivalent to having no meniscus on the affected side. Thus, these patients can often have early onset arthritis, the development of […]
