Author: drknee

Quadriceps tendon repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Quadriceps tendon repair is a surgical procedure to reattach or reconstruct the quadriceps tendon near the knee. It is most commonly used after a quadriceps tendon tear that disrupts knee extension. The goal is to restore the extensor mechanism, which helps straighten the knee and support walking and stairs. It is typically performed by orthopedic surgeons in hospital or ambulatory surgery settings.

Partial patellectomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Partial patellectomy is a surgery that removes a portion of the kneecap (patella). It is most commonly considered after certain kneecap fractures that cannot be reliably repaired. The goal is to preserve the remaining patella and restore the knee’s straightening mechanism. It is typically performed in orthopedic trauma or complex patellofemoral cases.

Patellar fracture tension band wiring: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Patellar fracture tension band wiring is a surgical fixation method used to hold a broken kneecap (patella) together. It uses metal wires (and sometimes pins or screws) arranged to stabilize the fracture while the bone heals. It is most commonly used for certain displaced patellar fractures where the knee’s “straightening” mechanism is disrupted.

Femoral nailing distal femur: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Femoral nailing distal femur is a surgical fixation method used to stabilize fractures near the knee end of the thigh bone. It typically involves placing an intramedullary nail (a metal rod) inside the femur’s central canal. The nail is usually inserted from the knee region and locked with screws to control length, alignment, and rotation. It is most commonly discussed in the context of distal femur fractures and certain complex femur injuries near the knee.

Intramedullary nail tibia: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Intramedullary nail tibia is a metal rod placed inside the hollow center of the tibia (shinbone). It is commonly used to stabilize tibial fractures so the bone can heal in good alignment. It is most often associated with injuries between the knee and ankle, especially the tibial shaft. It is an internal fixation device, meaning it supports bone healing from inside the bone.

Meniscal repair with fracture fixation: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Meniscal repair with fracture fixation is a combined knee surgery that repairs a torn meniscus and stabilizes a broken bone around the knee. It is most commonly used after traumatic injuries, such as sports collisions, falls, or vehicle-related trauma. The goal is to restore knee stability and preserve joint cushioning while the fracture heals. It may be performed using arthroscopy (small camera) and/or open techniques, depending on the injury pattern.

Submeniscal arthrotomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Submeniscal arthrotomy is a surgical opening into the knee joint made just beneath the meniscus. It is an “open” (not purely arthroscopic) way to look at and work on the joint surface and surrounding structures. It is commonly used during certain knee surgeries, especially when the surgeon needs direct visualization of the tibial plateau (top of the shinbone). It may also be used to assess and address associated meniscal injury during other knee procedures.

Bone graft tibial plateau: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Bone graft tibial plateau refers to placing bone graft material into the top of the shinbone (the tibial plateau) inside the knee joint region. It is most commonly used to fill bone voids, support joint surface alignment, or help bone heal after injury or surgery. It can be used in fracture care, reconstructive knee procedures, and some revision operations. The graft may come from the patient, a donor source, or a manufactured bone substitute.

Tibial plateau elevation: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Tibial plateau elevation is a surgical maneuver used to lift a sunken portion of the top of the tibia back toward its normal joint surface level. It is most commonly discussed in the setting of tibial plateau fractures, especially when the joint surface is “depressed.” Its goal is to restore the smooth, load-bearing surface where the femur meets the tibia. It is typically performed as part of fracture reduction and fixation, not as a standalone treatment.

External fixation knee spanning: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

External fixation knee spanning is a type of external frame used to stabilize the knee by bridging across the joint. It uses pins placed in the femur and tibia that connect to bars outside the leg. It is commonly used after major knee trauma to protect injured bones, ligaments, and soft tissues. It may be used temporarily while planning or waiting for definitive surgery or soft-tissue recovery.