Patient Education

Derek Johnson would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Derek Johnson provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL, is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. Running diagonally through the middle of the joint, the ACL works together with three other ligaments to connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (the larger of the two lower leg bones). A tearing of this ligament causes the knee to become unstable and the joint to slide forward. ACL injuries occur most often in athletes as a result of direct contact or an awkward fall. About half of all ACL injuries are also accompanied by damage to the meniscus, cartilage, bone or other ligaments in the knee. ...

Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine tissues inside the knee. During an arthroscopic procedure, a device known as an arthroscope is inserted into a small incision in the knee. Through this tube, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny video camera are inserted, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail. Arthroscopy may be a diagnostic procedure following a physical examination and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans or X-rays. It may also be used as a method of treatment to repair small injuries in the knee. ...

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee, that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thighbone. There are two minisci within each knee. The meniscus on the inside part of the knee is known as the medial meniscus and the meniscus located on the outside of the knee is referred to as the lateral meniscus. A meniscus tear may occur during an activity in which the knee is forcibly twisted or rotated. Common injuries in athletes, meniscus tears may also occur in older adults whose cartilage has worn away as a result of of wear and tear, or in anyone who suffers a traumatic injury. ...

Mini-Incision Total Knee Replacement

A mini-incision total knee replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged, dysfunctional knee joint using minimally invasive techniques. The knee, being a weight-bearing joint, is especially prone to injury and degenerative disease. The knee is a hinge joint where the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) meet. The patella (knee cap) glides over the femur when the knee moves. In a healthy joint, a layer of smooth cartilage cushions the bone ends, working together with muscles, tendons and ligaments to allow the knee to bend easily. ...

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty is the complete replacement of a damaged hip with a prosthetic one. This surgery is performed to relieve pain and restore function to a hip deteriorated by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, congenital abnormalities or traumatic injury. Total hip arthroplasty involves replacing the entire diseased joint, composed of the natural ball and socket and its protective cartilage. The damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic hip, usually made of a metal ball and a plastic socket. ...

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It develops as the cartilage protecting the bones of a joint wears down over time. Over the years, as stress is put on the joints, cartilage wears thin and sometimes even erodes completely, resulting in stiffness and pain. It occurs more frequently in older individuals, however it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of a joint or after an injury. It commonly affects the fingers, knees, lower back and hips, and is often treated with medication, specific exercises, and physical therapy. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be suggested. Osteoarthritis tends to get worse over time. ...

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Patients with severe pain and stiffness that does not respond to conservative treatments or more moderate surgery may require total knee arthroplasty, commonly known as knee replacement, to relieve pain and restore function. Whereas in a healthy knee smooth cartilage cushions the connecting bone ends, when osteoarthritis develops, the resulting pain and stiffness may require surgical intervention. ...

Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty

Unicondylar knee arthroplasty, also known as partial or unicompartmental knee replacement, is a less invasive alternative to a total knee arthroplasty. Partial knee arthroplasty is designed to replace only the portion of the knee that has been damaged by arthritis, leaving the healthier areas intact. Partial knee replacement allows patients to benefit from less scarring, shorter recovery time and a fuller range of motion. ...

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, is a disorder in which the bone does not receive enough blood, resulting in small breaks that can eventually cause it to collapse. Insufficient blood flow to a bone may occur as a result of a fracture or dislocation, excessive alcohol use, extended use of corticosteroids, or certain diseases that impede blood flow, such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, lupus, Gaucher disease and HIV. Medications taken for osteoporosis or bone cancer, called bisphosphonates and radiation therapy also increase the risk of a patient developing avascular necrosis. The condition can occur in numerous joints, but it most commonly affects the hip. ...

Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Bilateral knee arthroplasty is the replacement of both knees during the same period of time. This procedure can be simultaneous, with both knees operated on during the same surgery, or staged, with separate surgeries performed on each knee a few days or weeks apart. Bilateral knee arthroplasty is performed on patients disabled by severe arthritis in both knees. While the bilateral procedure is longer and more complex than a single knee arthroplasty, the pain relief after surgery is much greater and the overall rehabilitation time is shorter. ...

Bone Health

Healthy bones are a necessity for a full and active lifestyle. Although we depend on our bones everyday for physical support and consider them strong and rigid structures, bones are actually living tissue, growing and changing on a regular basis. Along with the calcium that gives them their strength, bones are also made up of a collagen protein that gives them flexibility but also makes them susceptible to weakening and injury. ...

Mosaicplasty

Cartilage is the smooth coating on the end of the bones that provides cushioning and support for comfortable and fluid movement of the joints. Cartilage damage may occur as a result of injury or degeneration and can lead to severe pain and arthritis. Damaged cartilage can eventually wear away and leave the bone unprotected. There are several surgical techniques currently used to repair damaged cartilage and restore normal movement of the joints. These techniques involve transplanting healthy cartilage from another part of the joint to stimulate the growth of new cartilage in a damaged area. ...

Cartilage Defects of the Knee

Cartilage defects of the knee involve damage to the articular cartilage, the smooth substance that covers the ends of the bones, keeping them from rubbing together. Cartilage defects may be degenerative, resulting from wear and tear, or traumatic, caused by an injury such as falling on the knee, jumping down, or rapidly changing directions while playing a sport. Such injuries do not always produce immediate symptoms because there are no nerves in cartilage. Over time, however, cartilage defects can disrupt normal joint function, leading to pain, inflammation, a grinding sensation in the knee and limited mobility. ...

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections have been used for decades to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in joints and soft tissues, and to relieve systemic inflammatory reactions. The advantage to injecting corticosteroid medication rather than taking it orally is that it is delivered more quickly to the affected area and often has more effective results. Corticosteroid injections are routinely used to reduce the pain and swelling of bursitis, tendonitis and arthritis. In addition, they are helpful in treating lupus, scleroderma and severe allergic reactions. Corticosteroid injections are also very effective in reducing spinal or radiating limb pain (radicular pain) when injected into the epidural space, which is between the dura, the outer layer covering the brain and spinal column, and the spine itself. When used this way, they are referred to as epidurals, which are frequently used for labor pains during childbirth. ...

Custom-Fit Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (replacement) procedures have been vastly improved by new advances in technology. A custom-fit total knee arthroplasty offers patients an implant that has been tailored to the exact specifications of personal anatomy. Each device is comprised of replacement components for the ends of the tibia and femur bones as well as a spacer that rests in the middle. Rather than using standard implants, the custom-fit system replaces the worn joint with implants that are sized, shaped and contoured according to the patient's unique structure. ...

Hip Dysplasia in Adults

Hip dysplasia, or developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH), is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. In hip dysplasia, the femoral head (the ball) fits too loosely into the acetabulum (the socket), causing instability. The disorder typically develops during gestation or shortly after birth, but may develop later in childhood. In the past, this condition was referred to as congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH). ...

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hip joint. This procedure can be used to confirm the diagnosis of various imaging procedures, such as X-rays and MRIs, as it provides a three-dimensional, real-time image of the affected area. If damage or abnormalities are detected during the arthroscopy, repairs can often be made during the same procedure. ...

Hip Conditions FAQs

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that joins the ball of the thigh bone (femur) to the socket of the pelvis (acetabulum). This joint is lined by cartilage known as the acetabular labrum that cushions the socket. Because the hip is a weight-bearing joint, it is subject to a number of ailments, such as strains and fractures, resulting from overuse, accidents and arthritic changes. ...

Hip Procedures FAQs

As a weight-bearing ball and socket joint, the hip is prone to various ailments which may occur as a result of aging, traumatic injury or disease. Many of these require surgical intervention for diagnosis or repair.

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hip joint. During procedure, an arthroscope, a long flexible tube with a camera and a tiny light on the end, in inserted into a small incision in the hip. This device displays magnified images of the inside of the hip joint on a video monitor. This procedure can be used to confirm diagnoses with real-time observation. If any abnormalities are detected during the arthroscopy, they can corrected, using tiny surgical instruments, during the same procedure. ...

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the hip to just below the knee, providing functionality and stability to the knee joint and surrounding area. Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when this band becomes so tight and inflamed that it rubs against the outer portion of the femur, causing irritation and instability to the knee joint. Also known as IT band syndrome, this condition often occurs in people who are physically active, such as runners or cyclists. ...

Joint Reconstruction / Replacement

Because joints are in constant use, they often wear out over time due to overuse or aging. Joint reconstruction or replacement may be required to relieve the resulting pain and restore function. Most joints in the body, including the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet, are synovial, permitting movement and articulation. When these joints suffer traumatic injury, or when the cartilage that normally protects them wears away, surgical repair or replacement may be necessary. ...

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of four ligaments that helps support the knee and protects the shin bone (tibia) from sliding too far backwards. The cruciate ligaments are located inside the knee joint and cross over each other, forming an "X". The anterior cruciate ligament is in the front and the posterior cruciate ligament is located behind it in the back of the knee. These ligaments control the back and forth motion of the knee. ...

Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it commonly affects the knees. Arthritis of the knee may develop as the cartilage protecting the bones of the knee joint wears down over time. Over the years, as stress is put on the joints, cartilage wears thin and sometimes even erodes completely, resulting in stiffness and pain. Arthritis of the knee occurs more frequently in older individuals, however it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of the knee joint or after an injury. ...

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Knee pain is often the result of injury, a mechanical issue or arthritis. One injury that causes knee pain is a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); a mechanical issue that causes knee pain is a dislocated knee cap. There are many types of arthritis that cause knee pain; two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treating knee pain with physical therapy can minimize or eliminate pain, and restore movement. ...

Physical Therapy for Hip Conditions

For people experiencing pain, discomfort and limited mobility due to hip-related injuries or conditions, physical therapy may be beneficial in promoting hip function, strengthening the joint, and maximizing the patient's range of motion. For mild hip conditions, physical therapy may be sufficient to lubricate the joint, lessen pain, and ease mobility. Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process for individuals with hip-related conditions. ...

Rehabilitation After Hip Arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty involves replacing part of the femur bone or hip socket with prosthetic devices. After surgery, a physical therapy program is created to help the patient regain flexibility, increase range of motion, and strengthen the hip and leg. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients to walk safely, without assistance, and eventually return them to all of their regular activities. ...

Rehabilitation After Hip Surgery

Physical therapy begins as soon as possible after hip surgery, often the very next day. The goal of rehabilitation is to strengthen the affected muscles and to prevent excessive scarring and contracture. Physical therapy exercises begin with the patient seated in a chair and progress to having the patient take steps, walk and climb stairs, first with crutches or a walker, then possibly a cane, and then without supportive devices. In addition to helping patients regain mobility, rehabilitation includes occupational therapy and at-home exercises to help patients learn new ways to function effectively in everyday activities, like dressing and cooking, now that they are using prosthetics. ...

Rehabilitation After Knee Arthroplasty

Physical therapy begins very soon after knee arthroplasty (replacement) is complete, and usually lasts for about 6 weeks. Patients are given analgesics to relieve postoperative pain sufficiently so that they can begin knee exercises as soon as possible. At first, they are encouraged to sit up and perform knee slides. Within days, or even hours, they are instructed to perform other exercises in order to regain muscle strength and flexibility. In addition, many patients are taught to use continuous passive motion devices. ...

Rehabilitation after Meniscal Transplant

After meniscal transplant surgery, a knee brace and crutches are required for approximately four to six weeks. This allows the transplanted meniscus and surrounding tissue to become fully attached to the bone while it heals. A physical therapy program is an important part of the rehabilitation process and will help patients regain flexibility, strength and motion in the knee joint. Without proper rehabilitation, complications such as chronic pain, inflammation and weakness, may cause difficulty walking and performing physical activities. ...

Rehabilitation for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the hip to just below the knee, providing functionality and stability to the knee joint and surrounding area. Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when this band becomes so tight and inflamed that it rubs against the outer portion of the femur, causing irritation and instability to the knee joint. Also known as IT band syndrome, this condition often occurs in people who are physically active, such as runners or cyclists. ...

Revision Knee Arthroplasty

A knee replacement lasts for about 20 years in the great majority of patients. Nonetheless, in a small percentage of cases, there is need for a second operation known as a revision knee arthroplasty. Reasons for implant failure vary, but once it occurs revision surgery is necessary to prevent permanent damage. ...