Knee pain can develop from a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and other structures within the joint. Some problems occur suddenly after a fall or sports injury, while others develop gradually due to repetitive stress or arthritis. Because many knee conditions produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the most effective treatment.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who evaluates and treats a wide variety of knee conditions in Columbus, OH. Following a comprehensive examination and appropriate imaging, he develops an individualized treatment plan based on the specific diagnosis, severity of the condition, and each patient’s lifestyle and mobility goals.
Knee Conditions We Treat
Dr. Cohen provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for many common knee injuries and conditions, including the following.
Knee Fractures
Fractures involving the knee can affect joint stability, alignment, and mobility. Common fracture types include:
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Patellar (Kneecap) Fractures: Breaks involving the kneecap that commonly result from direct trauma. Treatment ranges from immobilization to surgical fixation depending on fracture displacement.
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Distal Femur (Thighbone) Fractures: Fractures of the lower end of the femur that may require surgical stabilization to restore proper alignment and function.
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Proximal Tibia / Tibial Shaft Fractures: Injuries involving the upper portion or shaft of the tibia that can affect weight-bearing and knee stability. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.
Ligament Injuries
The ligaments of the knee provide stability during movement. Injuries may involve one or more of the following:
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ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): A commonly injured ligament that helps control forward movement and rotation of the knee.
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PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): The strongest ligament in the knee, responsible for preventing the shinbone from moving too far backward.
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Collateral Ligaments: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) stabilize the inner and outer sides of the knee and are commonly injured during contact sports or twisting injuries.
Treatment may include bracing, physical therapy, ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction depending on the severity of the injury.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It commonly develops in athletes who participate in repetitive jumping or running activities and may cause pain just below the kneecap during activity. Treatment typically focuses on activity modification, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises.
Cartilage Issues
Cartilage damage can interfere with the smooth movement of the knee joint and contribute to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Common cartilage-related conditions include:
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Runner’s Knee: Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, this condition causes pain around the kneecap due to overuse, muscle imbalance, or abnormal kneecap tracking.
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Distal Femur Cartilage Damage: Injury to the cartilage covering the lower end of the thighbone may result from trauma or gradual wear.
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Proximal Tibia Cartilage Damage: Damage to the cartilage on the upper surface of the shinbone can affect weight distribution and overall knee function.
Knee Tears
Damage to the cartilage or ligaments within the knee can reduce stability and limit mobility. Common tears include:
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Meniscal Tears: Tears of the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint. These injuries commonly occur during twisting movements or develop gradually with age.
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Ligament Tears: Partial or complete tears involving the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL that may require rehabilitation, repair, or reconstruction depending on the injury.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis develops when the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears away, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, although inflammatory arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis may also affect the knee. Treatment ranges from conservative care to partial or total knee replacement for advanced disease.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Cohen?
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating knee fractures, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, arthritis, and other complex knee conditions. He completed medical school and orthopedic surgery residency training at Mount Sinai in New York City, followed by sports medicine fellowship training at Rush Medical School in Chicago.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has performed more than 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures and completed over 100,000 patient evaluations. His expertise includes arthroscopic knee surgery, ligament reconstruction, fracture fixation, cartilage restoration, and robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Dr. Cohen’s patient-first philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and clear communication to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.
Knee Condition Treatment in Columbus, OH
Whether your knee pain is caused by an injury, arthritis, overuse, or another underlying condition, receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Dr. Cohen provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for a wide range of knee conditions to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.