Advanced Treatment for ACL/MCL Tears & More

Common Causes For Knee Joint & Muscle Pain

There are many different types of knee injuries, but they can generally be classified into two categories:

Overuse injuries: These occur when the knee is used excessively without proper rest and recovery.
Traumatic injuries: These occur due to a sudden force or impact, such as a fall or collision.

Within these categories exist several conditions that are common among athletes. This is because athletes put significant stress on their knees with the high-impact nature of many sports. Some of the most common knee injuries we treat at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists include:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common among athletes are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that cushions the bones at the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints.
• Meniscal tears: The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thighbone and shinbone. It acts as a shock absorber for the knee joint. Meniscal tears are common among athletes, especially those who play contact sports. The tearing can be caused by a sudden impact or overuse.
• ACL/PCL tears: The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are two of the four main ligaments in the knee. They work together to stabilize the knee joint. These ligaments can be torn if there is a sudden impact or force on the knee, such as when changing directions quickly or landing from a jump. ACL and PCL tears are common among athletes, especially those who play contact sports or participate in high-impact activities.
• MCL sprains/tears: The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is a ligament that runs along the inside of the knee. It helps to stabilize the knee joint. MCL sprains or tears can occur due to a direct hit on the outside of the knee, such as from a tackle in football. They can also occur from overuse.
• Chondromalacia patella: Chondromalacia patella is a condition that causes the cartilage under the kneecap to break down. It is common among athletes, especially runners. The condition is often caused by overuse, but it can also be caused by a traumatic injury.
• Quadriceps tendinitis and tears: The quadriceps are the muscles on the front of the thigh. They attach to the kneecap via the quadriceps tendon. Quadriceps tendinitis is inflammation of the quadriceps tendon. It is common among athletes, especially runners. Quadriceps tendon tears can occur due to a sudden impact or force on the knee, such as when changing directions quickly or landing from a jump.
• Patellar tendinitis and tears: The patellar tendon is a ligament that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone. Patellar tendinitis is inflammation of the patellar tendon. Like quadriceps tendinitis, it's particularly common among runners. Patellar tendon tears can also occur due to a sudden impact or force on the knee.
• Chondral injuries (OCD): Chondral injuries are injuries to the cartilage. They can occur due to a traumatic injury, such as a fall or collision. Chondral injuries are also common among athletes who participate in high-impact activities, such as running and jumping. OCD (osteochondritis dessicans) is a type of chondral injury that causes the cartilage to break down. It is common among young athletes, especially those who play contact sports.
• Fracture fixation and management: Fractures (broken bones) around the knee are relatively uncommon, but they can occur due to a direct hit or force on the knee, such as from a tackle in football. Fractures can also occur from overuse, such as stress fractures. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that occur due to repetitive impact or force. They are common among runners and other athletes who participate in high-impact activities. If you have a fracture, it will likely require surgery to fix the bone.

If you're struggling with chronic knee pain due to a sports injury, the experts at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists can help. We offer comprehensive care for all types of knee injuries, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet as soon as possible.

Jiffy Knee With Dr. Anthony Mustovich

Are you seeking a cutting-edge alternative for knee replacement surgery? Dr. Anthony Mustovich may have the solution for you. Dr. Mustovich, of Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, is the only Jiffy Knee(opens in a new tab) surgeon in Western Pennsylvania.

What is Jiffy Knee?

The Jiffy Knee procedure is designed to revolutionize traditional knee replacement surgery. Its minimally invasive approach focuses on soft tissue preservation, meaning no muscles or tendons are cut during the operation. Instead, specially designed instruments are used to lift and slide soft tissues – particularly the quadriceps tendon – significantly reducing post-operative pain and enabling a faster recovery. With surgery often completed in just 30 minutes, many patients are getting back to their active lifestyles sooner than they thought possible. 

Many people experience the following:

• Reduced pain and swelling
• Less reliance on narcotics (most patients require just a single prescription)
• Quicker improvements in range of motion
• Faster transition off walkers and canes (average: 7 days)
• Earlier return to driving (average: 10 days)
• Speedier return to work and hobbies
• No additional costs or upcharges

The Jiffy Knee replacement technique offers significant benefits, providing a less painful alternative to traditional anterior approach knee replacement surgery. This option is ideal for patients who may have delayed surgery due to fear, anxiety, or uncertainty. Anyone eligible for a traditional knee replacement is also a candidate for the Jiffy Knee procedure: if you need a knee replacement, Jiffy Knee is for you.

Key benefits of Jiffy Knee include:

• Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions for reduced trauma and quicker healing.
• Rapid Recovery: Leave the hospital sooner with advanced pain management.
• Customized Fit: Tailored implants ensure better mobility and comfort.
• Durable Materials: Long-lasting components provide joint stability for years to come.

Dr. Mustovich combines decades of surgical expertise with cutting-edge technology to offer patients the most advanced orthopedic care available. If you’re interested in learning more about Jiffy Knee or scheduling an appointment, don’t wait – it’s time to take the first step toward a more effective recovery.