Knee Specialists in Duluth, MN
Treating the Full Range of Knee Conditions and Injuries

Knee Treatment Options

Not every knee condition leads to surgery. Our physicians start with an accurate diagnosis, and from there the treatment plan depends on what the imaging and evaluation actually show.

ACL and Ligament Reconstruction

Surgical repair and reconstruction of the ACL, PCL, MCL, PLC and complex multi-ligament knee injuries. Our sports medicine surgeons handle both primary reconstructions and cases involving prior ligament damage.

Meniscus Repair and Transplant

Arthroscopic repair of torn meniscus tissue performed through small incisions, with significantly shorter recovery than open surgery. Meniscus transplant procedures are also available for patients with substantial meniscal loss.

Knee Cartilage Restoration

Surgical procedures to address cartilage damage that causes pain and limits joint function, including restoration techniques for appropriate candidates.

Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and revision knee replacement for patients dealing with pain, stiffness, or deformity caused by arthritis or injury. Robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques are available and discussed below.

Knee Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures using small incisions to evaluate and treat problems inside the knee joint. Commonly used for meniscal repair, ACL/PCL reconstruction, and cartilage procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, non-operative management, and musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided injections for appropriate conditions. Our in-house therapy team works directly with our physicians, so rehabilitation is part of the care plan from the start.

Total Knee Replacement in Duluth, MN

Indications

The primary indication for a total knee replacement is to relieve pain caused by severe arthritis when non-operative treatment has not provided adequate relief. Destruction of articular cartilage can limit your ability to walk, climb stairs, and carry out normal daily activities. Your surgeon will evaluate whether total knee replacement is the appropriate next step based on your imaging, examination, and how your symptoms have responded to prior treatment.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery

A knee replacement consists of three components: A femoral (thigh bone) component, made of metal. A tibial (lower leg bone) component, a metal component with a polyurethane spacer. A patellar (knee cap) component, made of plastic, attached to the undersurface of the original knee cap.

During surgery, your surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the end of the femur and the top of the tibia, then fits the joint with prosthetic components. Depending on your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation, components may be secured with bone cement or with a porous pressed metal component that allows bone to grow into the metal over time. Every procedure is tailored to the individual patient. Your surgeon will walk you through the specifics before your operation.

Recovery

Recovery after total knee replacement varies by patient, depending on activity level before surgery, overall health, and how the body responds. Most patients progress from a walker to a cane as strength and stability improve, though the timeline differs for each person.

Following surgery, most patients are referred to physical therapy, either in-home or at our outpatient clinic. Your therapist will evaluate your function, strength, and range of motion, then build a program around your recovery goals. Swelling around the knee is normal and can persist for several months. Bruising is also common and may extend down the leg, often developing a few days after surgery before resolving on its own. Your care team will guide you on what to expect at each stage of recovery.