Knee surgery & treatment

When knee pain causes movement issues and slows you down, our specialized knee doctors provide advanced treatment with a caring touch. Whether you need anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, a knee replacement or physical therapy close to home, our No. 1 rated orthopedic program is here to help.

At Aurora Health Care, we offer a uniquely integrated approach to treating knee pain. Our team includes fellowship-trained orthopedic knee surgeons, sports medicine doctors and dedicated physical therapists. That means no matter what’s causing your pain, you can get the treatment that’s right for you – and get back to doing the things you love most.

Top-rated knee surgeons: Why choose Aurora Health Care?

With same-day and next-day appointments, you can find a knee specialist right away – and close to home. We accept most insurance and have the most locations in southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

As the official health care provider of pro, collegiate and high school sports teams, our experienced team is here to provide top-rated quality care with the largest integrated team of orthopedic, sports health and rehabilitation providers.

Treatment & surgery to resolve knee pain

Almost five million Americans are living with a total knee replacement. By age 80, about 10% of people have an artificial knee. Yet each knee is different, which is why the customized treatment we offer is so important.

Here are some of the reasons people choose us for knee care:

• Quality certification: Our knee replacement program has earned Joint Commission certification, meaning we’re among the best in the country.
• Advanced imaging: With our state-of-the-art imaging tools, we can clearly view inside your knee joint using X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
• Guided injections: We use ultrasound and fluoroscopy (injecting a dye agent to more clearly see the joint) to ensure precise placement of knee-pain reliving injections.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Knee arthroscopy and other advanced techniques reduce pain and speed up recovery.
• Rapid recovery: Most people who have knee surgery at Aurora go home within 24 hours. Before your procedure, you’ll attend the Aurora Joint Academy, which will help you prepare for surgery and make a faster recovery. Learn more about Aurora Joint Academy.

Keeping you flexible with knee surgery options

We offer a variety of surgical knee treatments and repairs. Most often, we use minimally invasive surgical approaches, which use only small incisions so that you heal faster. What’s more, our pain relief options can help you begin physical therapy within hours of having surgery.

Our knee surgeries include:

• Total knee replacement: Total knee replacement can relieve pain and swelling and allow you to be active again. In certain cases, we can replace both knees at one time. Learn more about knee replacement.
• Arthroscopic knee surgery: Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat torn meniscus (knee cartilage) or an injured ACL. Using a tiny camera and only small incisions, knee specialists can view, repair or remove damaged cartilage. Learn more about minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
• MAKOplasty^® partial knee resurfacing: MAKOplasty is a knee replacement alternative that spares healthy bone tissue and ligaments. Find out more about MAKOplasty as an alternative to knee replacement.
• Meniscus repair: The meniscus is a tough tissue that cushions the knee. The meniscus may tear during sports or regular activity. Minor tears may heal with rehabilitation alone. For other tears, we offer minimally invasive arthroscopy to trim away damaged meniscus tissue (called partial meniscectomy) or repair the torn meniscus. Get a free injury evaluation.
• Meniscus replacement: In some cases, we provide meniscus replacement, also known as meniscal transplant. This type of surgery can help healthy, active people under age 55 whose meniscus cannot be repaired. Learn more about meniscus transplant.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery: You may injure the ACL – the ligament that connects the shin, knee and thigh – during sports or a fall. Find out about our ACL surgery options.
• Cartilage repair or restoration: Cartilage is a layer of tissue at the ends of bone and between bones. Sometimes knee injuries can damage the cartilage in and around your knee. Our sports medicine-trained surgeons have expertise in repairing cartilage injuries without replacing the joint. In some cases, we offer cartilage transplant, which can help new cartilage grow in place of the damaged tissue. Learn more about cartilage repair.

What is the most common knee surgery?

The most common knee surgery is a total knee replacement. This procedure relieves chronic knee pain and improves mobility for people with severe arthritis or injury. Other common surgeries include ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and knee arthroscopy. Our experienced knee surgeons near you perform these procedures using the latest techniques for faster recovery.

Is a knee operation major surgery?

Yes, a knee operation such as total knee replacement or ACL reconstruction is considered major surgery. However, advances in minimally invasive techniques and pain management allow many patients to recover faster and return home the same day. Our team of specialized knee doctors provides personalized orthopedic knee care to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Treatments for knee pain without surgery

The first line of treatment for knee pain is home care, including rest, over-the-counter pain relievers and cold packs. If your knee remains stiff, swollen or painful after trying these methods, it’s time to consult a doctor.

We offer a variety of nonsurgical treatments for knee pain, including:

• Weight loss and exercise: Sometimes, an unstable knee needs greater strength or less pressure. We may recommend a weight loss plan or a gentle exercise regimen to alleviate your knee pain.
• Bracing or walking aids: When a knee requires extra support, we can provide a customized brace. Providing some structure gives the knee time to heal and get stronger. We also may recommend a cane or walker and can teach you how to use these tools.
• Aspiration: We can remove excess fluid from a swollen knee. This procedure, called aspiration, can ease your discomfort and tell us whether a more serious problem exists.
• Injections: Injections of pain relievers or lubricants can help with knee pain. Steroids reduce swelling and pain, while joint lubricants make it easier for the knee to move smoothly. Learn more about injections for joint pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapists who are specially trained in orthopedics are an integrated part of our knee care team. Specialized therapy can improve your strength, stability and flexibility. Get more information about orthopedic physical therapy.
• Pain management: We provide advanced pain management to ease discomfort and keep you active. We may recommend nonnarcotic medications or integrative care like chiropractic or acupuncture.