Knee Arthroplasty

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions requiring knee arthroplasty, commonly known as knee replacement surgery, a procedure that resurfaces a damaged knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is often recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by arthritis or injury, particularly when it limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods.

Diagnosis

Dr. Saleem uses a comprehensive approach to diagnose conditions requiring knee arthroplasty:

Patient History: Gathering information about the onset of pain, daily activities, prior treatments, and any previous injuries or surgeries.
Physical Examination: Assessing the knee for swelling, stiffness, range of motion, alignment, and stability.
Imaging Studies: X-rays are typically used to evaluate joint space narrowing and bone damage, while MRI or CT scans may be utilized in complex cases to assess soft tissue and bone detail.

Treatment Options

Dr. Saleem employs both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition:

Conservative Management:
- Medication and Injections: Recommending anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid/hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Weight Management and Activity Modification: Advising lifestyle changes to reduce stress on the joint and slow progression.
- Physical Therapy: Developing individualized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee and improve mobility.
Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, Dr. Saleem may consider surgical options, such as:
- Total Knee Arthroplasty: A procedure to replace the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components, relieving pain and restoring function.
- Partial Knee Arthroplasty: A less invasive option for patients with damage confined to a single compartment of the knee.

Rehabilitation and Prevention

Post-treatment care is crucial for recovery, and Dr. Saleem emphasizes:

Rehabilitation Programs: Tailored physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee following surgery.
Preventive Strategies: Educating patients about joint-friendly exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper techniques to protect the new joint long-term.