Knee Care
Knee Specialist in Richmond, VA
Dr. Kiritsis is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in a diverse range of knee conditions, such as injuries to the ACL and Meniscus.
Anatomy of the Knee
To better understand how knee problems occur, it is important to understand some of the anatomy of the knee joint and how the parts of the knee work together to maintain normal function.
First, we will define some common anatomic terms as they relate to the knee. This will make it clearer as we talk about the structures later.
Many parts of the body have duplicates. So it is common to describe parts of the body using terms that define where the part is in relation to an imaginary line drawn through the middle of the body.
For example, medial means closer to the midline. So the medial side of the knee is the side that is closest to the other knee. The lateral side of the knee is the side that is away from the other knee.
Structures on the medial side usually have medial as part of their name, such as the medial meniscus. The term anterior refers to the front of the knee, while the term posterior refers to the back of the knee. So the anterior cruciate ligament is in front of the posterior cruciate ligament.
Knee Conditions & Treatments
Each condition links to Dr. Kiritsis’ full patient guide.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is probably the most commonly injured ligament in the knee.
ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autograft
When the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is torn or injured, surgery may be needed to replace it. There are many different ways to do this operation. One is to take a piece of the hamstring tendon from behind the knee and use it in place of the torn ligament.
ACL Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon Autograft
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major stabilizer of the knee joint. This key knee ligament is commonly torn during sports activities. The standard operation to fix a torn ACL is with a patellar tendon graft.
Articular Cartilage Problems of the Knee
Articular cartilage problems in the knee joint are common.
Collateral Ligament Injuries
The collateral ligaments are commonly injured parts of the knee. An injury to these ligaments usually involves a significant force, such as a fall while skiing or a direct impact to the side of the leg.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Nonsurgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) focuses on reducing pain and maintaining or improving joint function. Doctors commonly prescribe acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling in arthritic patients. Newer NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors are showing promise as well.
Hamstring Injuries
The big group of muscles and tendons in the back of the thigh are commonly called the hamstrings. Injuries in this powerful muscle group are common, especially in athletes. Hamstring injuries happen to all types of athletes, from Olympic sprinters to slow-pitch softball players.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is an overuse problem that is often seen in bicyclists, runners, and long-distance walkers. It causes pain on the outside of the knee just above the joint.
Meniscal Injuries
The meniscus is a commonly injured structure in the knee. The injury can occur in any age group. In younger people, the meniscus is fairly tough and rubbery, and tears usually occur as a result of a forceful twisting injury. The meniscus grows weaker with age, and meniscal tears can occur in aging adults as the result of fairly minor injuries, even from the up-and-down motion of squatting.
Meniscal Surgery
The meniscus is very important to the long-term health of the knee. In the past, surgeons would simply take out part or all of an injured meniscus.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem for many people after middle age. OA is sometimes referred to as degenerative, or wear and tear, arthritis. OA commonly affects the knee joint.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a problem that affects the knee, mostly at the end of the big bone of the thigh (the femur).
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon is the thick, strong “ligament” that connects your patella to your tibia. We often see, especially in jumping athletes, swelling and pain that occur at the patellar attachment of this tendon. This disorder is often called “jumper’s knee”.
Patellofemoral Problems
Patellofemoral problems can be a source of knee pain when it fails to function properly. Alignment or overuse problems of the patella can lead to wear and tear of the cartilage behind the patella.
Plica Syndrome
Plica syndrome is an interesting problem that occurs when an otherwise normal structure in the knee becomes a source of knee pain due to injury or overuse.
Popliteal Cysts
A popliteal cyst, also called a Baker’s cyst, is a soft, often painless bump that develops on the back of the knee. A cyst is usually nothing more than a bag of fluid.
Watch: Dr. Kiritsis Explains
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Collateral Ligament Injuries
Meniscal Surgery
Explore Dr. Kiritsis’ Care
Therapy Protocols →
Post-surgical rehabilitation protocols for ACL, meniscus and cartilage procedures.
Knee Videos →
Watch Dr. Kiritsis explain ACL reconstruction, meniscal injuries and more.
Shoulder Care →
Conditions and procedures of the shoulder, including Precision Shoulder Replacement™.
About Dr. Kiritsis →
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine subspecialist.
Paul G. Kiritsis, MD
Sports Medicine Expertise for the Knee
Dr. Kiritsis, a Richmond native, is a board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialist. As the Head Team Physician for the University of Richmond and the Richmond Kickers, Dr. Kiritsis brings extensive experience from professional, collegiate, and high school athletic teams. Additionally, he holds a subspecialty certification in sports medicine, emphasizing his dedication to treating both athletic and degenerative shoulder disorders.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Knee pain or instability? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kiritsis for an evaluation.