What is artificial disc replacement surgery?

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) replaces a damaged cervical or lumbar disc with an artificial implant, preserving natural spinal motion unlike fusion surgery.

Who is a good candidate for disc replacement in New York?

Patients with degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or chronic neck/back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. Dr. Brusovanik evaluates each patient individually.

What is the recovery time after disc replacement surgery?

Most patients walk the same day and return to light activity in 2-4 weeks. Full recovery takes 3-6 months with post-operative physical therapy.

Does Dr. Brusovanik perform both cervical and lumbar disc replacement?

Yes, Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, MD performs both cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in NYC and Long Island.

What type of doctor treats shoulder pain?

An orthopedic shoulder specialist treats conditions affecting the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and shoulder joint. Persistent pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, or instability should be evaluated to determine the precise cause.

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, labral tears, instability, fractures, and biceps tendon injuries. A focused examination helps identify which structure is causing the symptoms.

How can I tell if I have a rotator cuff tear?

Common rotator cuff tear symptoms include shoulder weakness, night pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and pain with overhead movement. An orthopedic shoulder specialist may use an examination, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Why does shoulder pain become worse at night?

Shoulder pain may worsen at night because sleeping positions place pressure on inflamed tendons, bursae, or arthritic joints. Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and shoulder arthritis commonly cause nighttime pain that disrupts sleep.

When should I see a shoulder specialist?

See a shoulder specialist when pain lasts several weeks, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or limits lifting and movement. Sudden weakness, visible deformity, severe pain, or a shoulder that feels dislocated requires prompt medical evaluation.

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or image-guided injections designed to reduce pain and restore movement.

Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?

A rotator cuff tear does not always require surgery. Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and injections may improve pain and function, while surgery may be recommended for traumatic tears, significant weakness, or symptoms that continue despite treatment.

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended when a confirmed structural injury continues causing pain, weakness, or instability despite nonsurgical care. It can treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement, biceps problems, and damaged tissue within the shoulder.

What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder replacement recreates the natural ball-and-socket joint and typically requires a functional rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement changes the joint mechanics and may be used for irreparable cuff tears, severe arthritis, complex fractures, or failed previous surgery.

How long does recovery take after shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery recovery depends on the procedure, injury severity, tissue quality, age, and rehabilitation plan. Some patients regain useful movement within weeks, while rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, or shoulder replacement recovery may continue for several months.

Can a failed shoulder surgery be corrected?

Some failed shoulder surgeries can be treated with revision surgery, reconstruction, tendon repair, or shoulder replacement. The appropriate treatment depends on the previous procedure, current imaging, tissue quality, bone loss, stiffness, instability, and remaining shoulder function.

Where can I find a shoulder specialist in New York or New Jersey?

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides specialized shoulder care across New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. Services include diagnosis, physical therapy, image-guided treatment, shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement.

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Knee Specialists in New York & New Jersey

Knee pain from an injury, overuse, or joint degeneration can limit mobility and everyday activity. Our orthopedic knee specialists in New York and New Jersey evaluate knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ACL and other ligament injuries, kneecap problems, tendon injuries, and fractures. Treatment may include rehabilitation, bracing, injections, arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or partial or total knee replacement.

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Meet our knee specialists

Connect with experienced orthopedic specialists who diagnose and treat ligament tears, meniscus injuries, arthritis, sports-related conditions, and patients considering knee replacement.

Showing 8 knee specialists

Understanding the Knee Joint

The knee connects the thigh to the lower leg and transfers substantial force during everyday movement. It primarily bends and straightens while allowing controlled rotation for walking, climbing stairs, running, squatting, and changing direction.

The joint includes the femur, tibia, and patella. Articular cartilage creates smooth bearing surfaces, while the medial and lateral menisci distribute load and absorb shock. Cruciate and collateral ligaments control stability, and the quadriceps and patellar tendons power knee extension.

Knee pain may arise from injury, repetitive stress, or gradual joint degeneration. Knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, kneecap disorders, tendon damage, and fractures can cause swelling, stiffness, catching, weakness, or instability. A precise diagnosis identifies the involved structure and guides treatment.

Efficient knee movement depends on:

Effective knee pain treatment starts with identifying what is causing swelling, stiffness, catching, weakness, or instability.

Common Sources of Knee Pain: Injury, Overuse and Arthritis

Knee pain can develop in the cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, kneecap, or bone. How symptoms began and which activities aggravate them help guide the diagnostic process.

Traumatic Knee Injuries

Pivoting, sudden direction changes, or direct contact can injure the ACL, collateral ligaments, or meniscus. Falls may cause fractures or dislocate the kneecap. A pop followed by rapid swelling, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, or true locking warrants timely orthopedic assessment.

Degeneration & Repetitive Stress

Knee osteoarthritis gradually damages joint cartilage, often causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Repetitive jumping or running can overload the patellar or quadriceps tendon. Patellofemoral pain typically develops around the kneecap and may worsen with stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.

How Our Specialists Diagnose Knee Pain

Your symptoms, injury history, swelling pattern, and functional limitations help determine which structures require examination. The evaluation also considers leg alignment, muscle control, and walking mechanics.

Symptom Patterns

Joint-line pain or mechanical catching can occur with a meniscus injury. A sense of giving way may involve a ligament or muscle-control problem. Pain around the kneecap frequently increases during stairs or squatting. These patterns provide clues but do not replace a physical examination.

Clinical Knee Examination

Your orthopedic knee specialist assesses swelling, tenderness, range of motion, leg alignment, muscle strength, and kneecap movement. Controlled tests evaluate ligament stability and possible meniscus injury. Examining both knees helps identify differences in mobility, strength, or joint control.

Diagnostic Imaging

Standing X-rays reveal arthritis, fractures, alignment changes, and loss of joint space. MRI evaluates the menisci, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bone marrow. Ultrasound may assess superficial tendons, bursae, and cysts, while CT is useful for detailed evaluation of complex bone injuries.

Treatment is selected according to the affected structure, degree of damage, joint stability, activity requirements, and goals for returning to movement.

A structured therapy program can restore motion, strengthen the quadriceps and surrounding muscles, improve balance, and support a safe return to activity.

Medication or selected injections may reduce symptoms from arthritis or inflammation. The appropriate option depends on the diagnosis and individual health factors.

Selected meniscus tears, ligament ruptures, loose fragments, or cartilage injuries may require arthroscopic repair, treatment, or ligament reconstruction.

Partial or total knee replacement may be appropriate when advanced knee arthritis causes persistent pain and disability despite suitable nonsurgical care.

Knee Injuries and Conditions We Treat

Our orthopedic knee specialists diagnose problems involving cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, the kneecap, and surrounding bone. A precise diagnosis allows treatment to target pain, stability, mobility, and long-term knee function.

Knee Arthritis & Cartilage Damage

Knee osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage gradually breaks down, increasing stress across the knee. Symptoms may include activity-related pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced motion, or difficulty with stairs. Treatment is based on the affected compartment, degree of damage, alignment, and impact on daily life.

Knee pain may increase with walking, stairs, or prolonged standing
Stiffness commonly occurs after rest or inactivity
Standing X-rays evaluate joint-space loss, bone changes, and alignment
Severe arthritis may be treated with partial or total knee replacement

Meniscus Injuries & Tears

The medial and lateral menisci cushion the knee and distribute weight across the joint. A tear can develop during twisting or as the tissue gradually weakens. Patients may experience joint-line pain, swelling, catching, or restricted movement, although symptoms vary by tear type.

ACL & Collateral Ligament Injuries

The ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL guide and stabilize knee movement. Sports, sudden direction changes, awkward landings, or direct contact can damage these ligaments. Treatment depends on the injured ligament, degree of instability, associated damage, and desired activity level.

ACL injuries may cause a pop, rapid swelling, and giving way
MCL injuries usually create pain and tenderness inside the knee
Stability testing helps identify which ligament may be damaged
Significant functional instability may require ligament reconstruction

Kneecap, Tendon & Fracture Care

Anterior knee pain may involve patellofemoral overload, cartilage irritation, or kneecap instability. The quadriceps and patellar tendons may become painful from repetitive loading or tear during forceful contraction. Direct impact can also fracture bones around the knee.

Kneecap pain commonly worsens with squatting, stairs, or prolonged sitting
Tendon injuries may weaken active knee extension
Knee fractures can cause marked swelling and difficulty bearing weight
Treatment may involve therapy, bracing, fixation, or tendon repair

Why Choose Total Orthopedics for Knee Treatment?

Total Orthopedics brings knee diagnosis, imaging, conservative care, surgery, and rehabilitation into one coordinated plan. Recommendations reflect the structure causing symptoms, the effect on daily movement, and your goals for work, recreation, or sports.

Coordinated Knee Care

Orthopedic knee specialists treat arthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament tears, kneecap disorders, tendon damage, and fractures.
Clinical examinations assess pain location, swelling, alignment, motion, muscle control, and ligament stability.
Weight-bearing X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or CT are used when clinically appropriate.
Initial treatment may involve physical therapy, medication, activity modification, bracing, or selected injections.
Knee arthroscopy may address appropriate meniscus tears, loose bodies, or focal cartilage injuries.
Repair or reconstruction may be recommended for unstable ligaments, torn tendons, or certain fractures.
Partial or total knee replacement may treat advanced arthritis in appropriately selected patients.
Post-treatment rehabilitation rebuilds motion, strength, balance, and confidence during movement.

When Advanced Knee Treatment May Help

Surgery may be considered when a confirmed knee condition continues to cause substantial pain, mechanical symptoms, or instability after appropriate nonsurgical care. A recommendation should reflect the entire clinical picture rather than an MRI finding alone.

Your symptoms, examination findings, and imaging results support a specific diagnosis.
Therapy, medication, bracing, activity changes, or injections have not restored acceptable function.
The damaged meniscus, ligament, tendon, cartilage, or bone is suitable for the proposed procedure.
Hip, lower-back, nerve, or other sources of referred knee pain have been considered.
Your health, activity needs, recovery expectations, and treatment goals support proceeding.

KNEE CARE FAQ

Knee Pain, Injury and Treatment FAQs

Clear answers about knee arthritis, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, kneecap pain, nonsurgical treatment, surgery, and recovery.

What type of specialist treats knee pain?

An orthopedic knee specialist diagnoses problems involving cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, the kneecap, and bone. Treatment may include rehabilitation, bracing, medication, injections, arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, fracture repair, or knee replacement.

When should knee pain be evaluated?

See a specialist when knee pain persists, returns repeatedly, or interferes with walking, stairs, work, or exercise. Seek prompt care after an injury involving deformity, rapid swelling, true locking, significant instability, or an inability to bear weight.

What causes swelling inside the knee?

Swelling develops when excess fluid or blood collects in or around the joint. Rapid swelling after trauma may occur with ligament tears, fractures, or kneecap dislocation. Gradual swelling may accompany arthritis, meniscus damage, or inflammation.

What does a meniscus tear feel like?

A meniscus tear may cause pain along the joint line, swelling, catching, or restricted movement. Some patients experience locking, but symptoms vary and are not diagnostic by themselves. A clinical examination and, when appropriate, MRI help confirm the condition.

What are common signs of an ACL tear?

An ACL tear may cause a pop, rapid swelling, pain, and instability during pivoting or direction changes. Some patients can still stand or walk after the injury, so the ability to bear weight does not exclude a ligament tear.

Why does my kneecap hurt during stairs or squatting?

Pain around or behind the kneecap commonly occurs with patellofemoral pain. It may worsen during stairs, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting. Tendon irritation, cartilage damage, and arthritis can cause similar symptoms and should be considered.

How does knee osteoarthritis usually feel?

Knee osteoarthritis often causes activity-related pain, stiffness after rest, swelling, reduced motion, or grinding sensations. Symptoms generally develop gradually. Standing X-rays help evaluate joint-space loss, alignment, and which part of the knee is affected.

What imaging is used to diagnose knee injuries?

Weight-bearing X-rays evaluate arthritis, alignment, fractures, and bone changes. MRI provides detailed images of menisci, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bone marrow. Ultrasound or CT may be selected when additional soft-tissue or bone detail is required.

Can knee pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many knee conditions improve with physical therapy, strengthening, activity modification, bracing, medication, or selected injections. Treatment should be matched to the diagnosis, symptom severity, joint stability, health considerations, and activity goals.

When might knee surgery be recommended?

Surgery may be considered for unstable ligament tears, suitable meniscus tears, displaced fractures, tendon ruptures, mechanical joint problems, or advanced arthritis. Options include arthroscopy, meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, fracture fixation, and partial or total knee replacement.

How long is recovery after knee surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure and individual health. Some arthroscopic procedures have shorter rehabilitation periods, while ligament reconstruction, fracture repair, and knee replacement require longer recovery. Motion, swelling, strength, and physical demands affect return-to-activity timing.

Where can I find knee specialists in New York and New Jersey?

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine schedules knee evaluations, sports injuries, fractures, prior-surgery consultations, and knee-replacement appointments at participating locations in New York and New Jersey. Availability depends on the diagnosis, provider, and office.