Knee Surgery Specialist

Michael Rieber, MD -  - Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopedics Unlimited

Michael Rieber, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Physician located in West Orange, NJ & Newark, NJ

If you experience a sports-related injury or develop a severe case of osteoarthritis, knee surgery can prevent further problems while restoring your mobility and quality of life. At Orthopedics Unlimited in Livingston, New Jersey, orthopaedic surgeon Michael Rieber, MD, specializes in all types of knee surgery, including meniscus, cartilage, and ACL repairs, and partial and total knee replacement. To schedule an appointment, book online or call the office today.

Knee Surgery Q&A

What is knee surgery?

Knee surgery is an orthopedic procedure used to treat structural joint damage or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. It provides a safe and effective treatment option for severe knee pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments like rest, ice, or corticosteroid injections.

At Orthopedics Unlimited, Dr. Rieber specializes in arthroscopic knee surgery. This minimally invasive treatment technique limits scarring, reduces pain, and speeds up your body’s natural healing process.

What conditions can knee surgery treat?

Knee surgery can treat various conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Damage to your cartilage
  • Fractures
  • ACL tears
  • Meniscus tears

The goal of knee surgery is to improve your knee joint’s function and to relieve pain that won’t respond to other types of treatment.

What are the types of knee surgery?

At Orthopedics Unlimited, Dr. Rieber offers several types of knee surgery, including:

Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. During this operation, Dr. Rieber makes several small incisions near your knee joint. He uses pencil-sized tools to remove your diseased or damaged knee joint and replace it with prosthetic components made of ceramic, metal, or plastic.

Partial knee replacement

If your knee joint is only somewhat damaged, Dr. Rieber might recommend a partial knee replacement. During this operation, he makes several small incisions near your knee joint and uses special tools to remove the damaged portion of your joint, leaving the healthy components intact.

Because Dr. Riber only removes part of your joint, partial knee replacement uses much smaller incisions and requires less manipulation of your muscles and tendons. This allows for a much quicker recovery.

Knee arthroscopy

If you tear your ACL, meniscus, or the cartilage in your knee, you might benefit from knee arthroscopy. Arthroscopy allows Dr. Rieber to repair the damage through small incisions near your knee joint, significantly lowering the risk of complications. 

What is recovery like following knee surgery?

Following knee surgery, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling. In the first few days after your procedure, apply ice regularly, take your medications as prescribed, and avoid putting weight on your affected leg.

As your knee begins to heal, Dr. Rieber develops a physical therapy plan. Physical therapy uses stretches and light exercises to strengthen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

To achieve the best possible results, attend all of your follow-up appointments and listen to Dr. Rieber’s advice. 

To see if you’re a candidate for knee surgery, schedule an appointment at Orthopedics Unlimited by phone or online today.