Banner image

Knee surgery

We ask a lot of our knees. They flex and pivot to give us a wide range of motion, act as a shock absorber, and bend countless times throughout our lives to carry us where we want to go. When your knee hurts or has been injured, it can dramatically affect your quality of life.  

The first course of action is conservative knee treatment such as medication or physical therapy. But when those steps don’t deliver relief or restore function, your doctor may discuss injections or surgery. At Allina Health Orthopedics, that means you’re surrounded by a team of committed experts who collaborate to address your knee pain and problems—and also care for the whole you.

Learn more

What it is

The knee is our body’s largest joint and it’s also one of the most complex, which makes it susceptible to injury. When feel pain or lose mobility in your knee, surgery might be the best option. Here are common types of knee surgeries:   

  • Arthroscopy Arthroscopic knee surgery: In arthroscopy, your surgeon makes tiny incisions and uses special instruments to assess and sometimes repair damage in the knee. It is a minimally invasive kind of surgery that can be used to diagnose or repair a torn meniscus (cartilage), misaligned patella (kneecap) or injured ligament.  
  • ACL reconstruction: A common knee injury is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Some people are able to resume normal activities without surgical intervention. If surgery is recommended, your surgeon will construct a new ACL using other healthy tissue.  
  • Total knee replacement: If your knee has been damaged by trauma or disease, a total knee replacement may be the answer. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. In a total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial material. 
  • Partial knee replacement: In this procedure, only the damaged parts of the knee are replaced. There are fewer complications with a partial versus a total knee replacement, but partial replacements have a higher rate of revision (surgery redo). You and your doctor will talk about which option is right for you. 
  • Knee fracture surgery: The patella (kneecap) can break from a fall or direct blow. The broken pieces can sometimes be surgically reconnected with pins, screws or wire. If the broken pieces are too small or damaged to fix, they are removed. 
  • Torn meniscus surgery: The meniscus is cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the bones. Sudden injury or degeneration over time may tear the cartilage. Your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery to trim or repair the tear.    
  • Patellar tendon repair: The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin bone). It can tear, or rupture, during a sudden, explosive movement. If the tendon completely ruptures, a surgeon can suture the torn tendon. 

Good for treating

  • Arthritis 
  • Fractures 
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries 
  • Dislocation 
  • Meniscal tears

What to expect

Once you’ve made the decision to have surgery, your Allina Health Orthopedics team will collaborate to prepare you for your procedure, recovery at home and rehabilitate your knee in the weeks and months afterward. For some procedures, you may be asked to attend a pre-surgery class. 

Throughout your care, you’ll have access to a wide spectrum of pre- and post-surgery services, and support from our compassionate health care providers every step of the way.

Good to know

The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Allina Health have performed thousands of knee surgeries, and work in close partnership with staff at our hospitals and surgery centers.  Allina Health hospitals and outpatient surgery centers observe the highest standards of quality and best practices.

Reviewed by: Anthony (Tony) Anderson, MD, orthopedic surgeon

First published: 10/26/2020
Last reviewed: 10/26/2020

Allina Health Everyday Clinic

This is a retail clinic location. We offer basic services for minor injuries and illnesses for patients 18 months and older. We do not see visits for workers' or injury compensation.

From the list below, please select the condition that best describes what you would like to be seen for. If you do not see what you are looking for, please visit an Urgent Care location or schedule a visit with your primary care provider.
I do not see my condition

Everyday On Wheels

Everyday On Wheels mobile clinic is not wheel chair accessible due to the size of the vehicle. Patients should be able to safely climb a short set of stairs to enter the mobile clinic.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.
I agree to these conditions

We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

Have you been to an Allina Health clinic or hospital before?

If you're not sure, choose No.
Yes No
;

Who is this appointment for?

Adult
18 years and older.
 Child
0-17 years.

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
Physical
Exam and review of health, including screenings.
 Office visit
Care for illness, injury or specific concerns.
;

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
Well-child visit
Checkup of child's growth and development.
 Office visit
Care for illness, injury or specific concerns.
;