Knee

Dr. Cole prepares a graft for a patient. Each year, he delivers over 100 invited national and international lectures to share his expertise in cartilage restoration.

For in-depth, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, video presentations and more on these topics authored by Dr. Cole, please visit the Academic Resource Library.

About the Knee

The knee joint contains the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap). These bones are covered by a protective substance called articular cartilage which enables easy, smooth movements.

Find out more about the knee from the following link.

Patient Info

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope-like structure located in the center of the knee running from the femur to the tibia. When this ligament tears, it doesn’t heal and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee.

ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed surgical procedure. With recent advances in arthroscopic surgery, it can be performed with a minimal incision and low risk of complications.

ACL Reconstruction using Hamstring Tendon

ACL Reconstruction using Patellar Tendon

Ligament Reconstruction

Ligament reconstruction is surgery to reconstruct a torn ligament using a graft or artificial prosthesis. Ligaments are tough, non-stretchable fibers that hold your bones together. Ligament reconstruction is performed to improve joint function and stability and may be indicated for shoulder, elbow and knee injuries.

Find out more about Ligament Reconstruction with the following link.

Patient Info

Arthroscopy of the Knee Joint

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an small camera is inserted into a joint. Arthroscopy is a term that comes from two Greek words, arthro-, meaning joint, and -skopein, meaning to examine.

The benefits of arthroscopy include smaller incisions, faster healing, more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.

Find out more about Knee Arthroscopy from the following links.

Meniscus Repair

The knee joint is one of the largest and the most complex joint in the body. The joint is made up of the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). Between the femur and the tibia lie two wedge-shaped pads of cartilaginous tissue called menisci, which serve to reduce friction in the joint as well as act as shock absorbers. The two menisci present in the knee are the lateral meniscus, on the outside, and the medial meniscus, on the inside of the knee.

Find out more about Meniscus Repair with the following link.

Patient Info

Repairing Articular Cartilage

The tough yet elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones in the knee is called articular cartilage. Working in tandem with meniscal cartilage, articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber for the knee, allowing the joint to withstand the day-to-day pressures of walking, running, sitting and standing.

Find out more about Repairing Articular Cartilage with the following link.

Patient Info

Dr. Cole’s Non Operative Management of Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Gradual breakdown of articular cartilage and bones within a joint. Osteoarthritis is typically caused by wear and tear and worsens over time. It most often occurs in individuals over the age of 50 but can be present in younger patients. Individuals with osteoarthritis may experience pain, swelling, stiffness and/or limited range of motion.

Surgical Procedures in 3D Animation

Click on the topics below to find out more from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Meet Dr. Cole

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The Brian Cole MD Knee Guide and Shoulder Guide are your own personalized injury APP's for your pocket. These APP's provide users with detailed information, treatment and identification of the most common injuries.