Knee pain has a way of shrinking your world. Maybe you skip your usual walk through the neighborhood, avoid stairs or sit out a round of golf. If you live in Brookfield and your doctor has mentioned knee surgery, you probably have more questions than answers. The good news is that knee surgery is not one procedure but a range of options. This guide walks through the main choices and how the right one is matched to you.
Start With the Cause of Your Knee Pain
The best knee treatment depends on what is actually wrong. Sudden injuries often involve ligaments or the meniscus, while gradual pain in older adults is more often linked to arthritis. Our overview of knee conditions covers many of the problems we evaluate, from MCL injuries to an unstable kneecap.
Your evaluation includes a detailed history, a physical examination and imaging when needed. Together, these help us understand whether your knee needs protection and rehabilitation, or whether surgery is likely to help.
Nonsurgical Treatment Comes First for Many Patients
Surgery is not always the next step. For many knee problems, especially early arthritis and stable meniscus tears, nonsurgical treatment can reduce pain and improve function.1,3 Options may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your knee
- Activity changes and weight management
- Bracing or other supportive devices
- Medication or injections, when appropriate for you1
If these steps do not provide enough relief, surgical options become part of the conversation.
Surgical Options for the Knee
Arthroscopic Procedures
Knee arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions. It is commonly used to treat torn cartilage, including meniscus tear repair and partial meniscectomy, along with the removal of loose fragments.3
Ligament Reconstruction
A torn ACL does not heal well on its own. For active people who want to return to cutting, pivoting or jumping, ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tissue graft.2 Other ligament injuries may be treated with or without surgery depending on severity.
Cartilage Procedures
Some patients have a focused area of damaged cartilage rather than widespread arthritis. Treatment for cartilage injuries aims to repair or restore that surface, and the right option depends on the size and location of the damage.
Partial and Total Knee Replacement
When arthritis has worn away cartilage and other treatments no longer help, replacement may be considered. Partial knee replacement addresses one damaged area of the joint, while total knee replacement surgery replaces the worn surfaces throughout the knee.1 Your evaluation helps sort out whether replacement makes sense now or whether other options still fit your knee.
How the Right Option Is Chosen
Choosing knee surgery means balancing your diagnosis, age, activity level, overall health and goals. A competitive athlete with an ACL tear faces a different decision than someone whose arthritis limits daily walking. We explain the expected recovery, the potential risks and what each option may realistically offer, so you can decide with confidence.
Recovery commitment is part of that choice too. Some arthroscopic procedures allow a fairly quick return to daily routines, while reconstruction and replacement involve a longer rehabilitation program. Knowing what each path asks of you, including therapy visits and time away from certain activities, helps you plan around work, family and the things you enjoy.
When you see us for sports related knee problems, your care is guided by fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at the University of South Florida and Florida Orthopaedic Institute, along with orthopaedic surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. That experience includes past work as an assistant team physician for Brookfield Central High School. Dr. Bauwens grew up in Brookfield, and caring for patients here is a way of giving back to the community that raised him.
Knee Care for Brookfield Patients
If you live in Brookfield, our Wauwatosa office on North Mayfair Road is a short drive east, and our practice locations also include Glendale and Cedarburg. If a procedure is planned, the first visit guide helps you prepare for your initial visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Surgery Options
What are the different types of knee surgery?
The main types include knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, cartilage procedures, partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and goals.
Do you always need surgery for a knee injury?
No, many knee injuries improve with physical therapy, bracing and activity changes. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist or the knee is unstable.
Where can you see a knee specialist near Brookfield?
You can see a knee specialist at our Wauwatosa office at Mayfair, which is close to Brookfield. We also have offices in Glendale and Cedarburg.
How do you know if you need a knee replacement or arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is typically used for specific structural problems such as meniscus tears, while replacement is considered for advanced arthritis. Imaging and an examination help determine which approach fits.
How long is recovery after knee surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure, from a few weeks after some arthroscopic procedures to several months after reconstruction or replacement. Your rehabilitation plan is tailored to your surgery and your progress.
Choosing Your Next Step From Brookfield
Understanding your options is the first step toward a knee that lets you do more. If knee pain is limiting your routine, you can make an appointment at our Wauwatosa office near Brookfield to discuss a plan that fits your needs.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthritis of the Knee. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Meniscus Tears. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/
Jake Bauwens, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with Wisconsin Bone and Joint who focuses on sports medicine and injuries of the knee and shoulder. Dr. Bauwens earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison and a medical degree at Rush Medical College. Dr. Bauwens then completed an internship and orthopedic residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a sports medicine fellowship at the University of South Florida and Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Bauwens sees patients at offices in Glendale, Wauwatosa and Cedarburg, serving communities across the Milwaukee area.
