Emmi Patient Education
Emmi is a series of free, unique, web-based educational programs for Methodist patients that make complex medical information easy to understand.
Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a technique of placing a video camera inside the joint through a small incision (portal) in the skin. Additional portals allow access for other specialized instruments so that the surgeon may perform the entire surgical procedure while watching on a computer monitor, rather than having to make a traditional incision. Some benefits of this technique when compare to open-incision surgery include less pain, faster recovery, less bleeding, lower risk of infection, and improved cosmetic appearance. Common conditions for which this technique is used include treatment of meniscal tears, ACL tears, loose bodies, and cartilage injuries.
Knee Replacement (Knee Arthroplasty)
Arthroplasty is the term used to describe the procedure of replacing worn out joint surfaces with an artificial substitute (prosthesis). Arthritis is the most common diagnosis in patients undergoing knee replacement. The replacement provides smooth gliding surfaces which provide pain relief and improved function. There are different surgical options including partial (uni-compartment) and total knee replacement. Knee replacements are among the most common orthopedic procedures and provide some of the greatest benefits of any procedure in terms of pain relief, ability to return to desired activities, and independence.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
There are certain growth factors in blood which can stimulate healing after an injury. Platelets either create or initiate production of many of these factors. Through a special process, a patient’s blood sample can be concentrated to include only the healing factors which are then injected into an area of injury or chronic inflammation.
Visco-Supplementation Injections
Certain components of cartilage and joint fluid are available in an injectable form. It is usually given as a series of injections after which the thick (viscous) material functions as a lubricant inside the joint. While it does not rebuild cartilage, it does help reduce arthritic symptoms in a majority of patients.
