Specialties

1. Does Dr. Haar Perform Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery?

Yes, Dr. Haar is an expert in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques in treating knee pain. Due to the many benefits of minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Haar will employ these techniques during many procedures, including partial knee replacement and ACL reconstruction. Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include smaller incisions, less blood loss, a shorter recovery period, and a more natural feeling joint. Due to the small incisions and specialized instruments used to perform the procedure, minimally invasive procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis.

2. When Is Total Knee Replacement Recommended?

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Haar will replace the entire damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant. This procedure is frequently recommended for patients suffering from advanced arthritis, and those unable to relieve knee pain symptoms using conservative treatments. Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints, and is the most common cause of knee pain. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis.

3. What Are The Treatment Options For ACL Tears?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the most frequently injured component in the knee. Ligaments are unable to heal on their own, so surgical treatment is typically required to restore full joint functionality. However, some patients are able to manage pain symptoms through the use of conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy. Dr. Haar will use minimally invasive techniques to restore joint movement and stability by reconstructing the torn ligament with grafts from elsewhere in the body.

4. What Are The Benefits Of Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which only the affected areas of the knee joint are removed and replaced with a prosthesis, unlike total joint replacement which involves the complete replacement of the knee joint. By using minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Haar will typically perform the surgery on an outpatient basis. Compared to total knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacement has several advantages, including a more normal feeling during movement, a greater range of motion, smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery. For patient convenience, Dr. Haar performs partial knee replacement procedures at his on-site accredited office-based surgical facility.

5. Is Surgery Required To Relieve Symptoms Of Runner’s Knee?

No, surgery is often only recommended for patients who were unable to relieve symptoms of runner’s knee with conservative treatments. At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Haar will typically recommend a non-surgical approach. Conservative treatments frequently recommended are strengthening exercises, bracing, and orthotics. Runner’s knee often develops in conjunction with other injuries, such as kneecap misalignment, knee dislocation, or infection, so a proper diagnosis is required to determine the exact cause of knee pain.