The knee is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially from sudden twisting movements, but is also affected by arthritis and normal wear and tear as we age. A world-class orthopedic doctor in Reading, PA, such as Dr. Stephen Soffer, can help you regain mobility and live an active, pain-free life.
Dr. Stephen R. Soffer is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy by the renowned sports surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. He is a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and specializes in the treatment of many sports-related injuries.
Dr. Soffer’s expertise has earned him inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Doctor listing for the last five years. Players, coaches and team owners from National Leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS) as well as athletes in semi-pro, college and high school leagues, and seniors living active lifestyles have come to rely on his experience when considering surgical procedures and care options.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Advances in high-resolution cameras and surgical techniques have made arthroscopic surgery extremely effective in accurately diagnosing and treating knee and other joint disorders.
The arthroscopy procedure makes knee surgery less invasive. Surgeons are able to make several small incisions to view (-scopy) inside a joint (-arthro) instead of one large incision. One benefit is an improvement in recovery time after surgery. It’s not unusual for patients to go back to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days.
Knee joint problems that are visible with arthroscopy include:
— Inflammation, such as synovitis, in the lining of the knee
— Loose or fragmented cartilage or bone
— Tears in the meniscus
— Tears in the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL)
— Abnormally aligned or unstable patella (kneecap)
— Chondromalacia (wearing or injury of cartilage cushion)
— Cartilage loss caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
Dr. Soffer specializes in arthroscopic surgery as well as the open treatment of knee, shoulder and elbow injuries. He also performs artificial joint replacement for arthritis of the knee, shoulder and hip. He holds certification in the treatment of cartilage injuries in the knee with articular cartilage implantation.
Knee Replacement Surgery
The knee is commonly affected by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that wears down bones and cartilage as we grow older. The condition is common in older individuals, whose protective cartilage has become brittle and is no longer able to shield the knee joint from friction. If medications, injections, or changing your level of activity are not helpful, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest total knee replacement surgery.
In knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the diseased joint and then inserts a replacement joint (an orthopedic implant) in its place. The replacement joint imitates the natural knee’s function and feel, and restores the alignment and function of your knee. Most patients enjoy a reduction or elimination of knee pain and are able to return to their normal daily and sports activities, such as golfing, skiing, biking and hiking.
Approximately 18 million patients visit a doctor because of knee pain every year. Fortunately, there are many ways to successfully treat knee pain and get back to an active lifestyle. If you are in the Reading, PA area or elsewhere in Berks County, call 610-375-4949 to find out how Dr. Soffer can help.
