Unstable Knee

Unstable Knee Specialist

The unstable knee can happen to any individual. It is the result of damage to a structure or tissue in the knee joint caused by the sudden twisting of the knee, osteoarthritis of the knee or certain sports injuries. Unstable knee specialist, Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and individualized non-surgical and surgical management for an unstable knee in Minneapolis. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

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What is an Unstable Knee?

The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the body. This highly complex joint has several tissues supporting and stabilizing its movement:

• Condyles and menisci: Bony protrusions of the thighbone called condyles fit snugly into the depressions of the lateral and medial menisci (spongy cartilage) of the shinbone.
• Ligaments: These are bands of tissue crisscross across the joint bones, connecting and holding them in place.
• Capsules: These are tissue that connects the bones of the knee, by forming a sleeve over the joint.
• Muscles: They provide secondary stability.

Causes of an Unstable Knee

Damage to any of these supportive structures causes instability of the knee joint. An unstable knee can be caused by the sudden twisting of the knee, tears of the meniscus, ligament or capsule, osteoarthritis of the knee (wear and tear of the cushioning cartilage tissue between the bones) and sports injuries. When these tissues get injured, the patella or kneecap can move out of its groove in the knee joint and lead to instability.

When an unstable knee is suspected, it is important to schedule an orthopedic consultation for proper examination and care. Dr. Kelechi Okoroha is an unstable knee specialist who provides detailed examination and care for patients with unstable knee in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Symptoms of an Unstable Knee

An unstable knee causes pain, swelling, stiffness and a tendency of the joint to buckle or give way.

Diagnosis of an Unstable Knee

When you present with these symptoms, Dr. Okoroha diagnoses knee instability by performing a thorough physical examination to test the stability of each ligament and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of an Unstable Knee

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Initially, Dr. Okoroha may recommend conservative treatments such as rest, ice application, compression and elevation of your leg (R.I.C.E.), physical therapy and use of braces. Pain relieving medications may be prescribed for symptomatic relief.

However, when these conservative treatments yield an unsatisfactory response, surgical correction may be recommended. Considering the type and severity of an injury, Dr. Okoroha decides on the surgical repair or reconstruction of the joint by replacing the damaged parts with a prosthesis.