Orthopedic Knee Specialists

Knee replacement is typically considered when pain limits everyday activities — walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs — and non-surgical options like physical therapy, injections, and medication have stopped providing relief. An orthopedic surgeon will review your imaging, joint alignment, and symptoms to determine whether a partial or total replacement is appropriate. At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, evaluations include patient-specific factors like activity level, age, and overall health. The decision is made together with the patient, not by imaging alone.

A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the knee joint, while a partial (or unicompartmental) knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment and preserves the healthy cartilage and ligaments. Partial replacements generally allow a shorter recovery and a more natural feel, but they are only appropriate when damage is isolated to one area. Our surgeons use imaging and an intraoperative assessment to confirm which approach is best. Not every patient is a candidate for a partial replacement.

Most patients walk with assistance within 24 hours, go home within one to three days, and return to low-impact activity around 6 weeks. Full strength and range of motion typically continue to improve for 6 to 12 months. Recovery depends on age, conditioning, and how closely the physical therapy protocol is followed. Our care teams coordinate with in-network physical therapy providers to keep recovery on track.

Yes — ACL reconstructions are performed arthroscopically using small incisions and a camera, which is considered a minimally invasive approach. Our sports medicine surgeons are the team physicians for the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, and Chicago Fire, and they perform a high volume of ACL procedures each year. Graft choice (patellar tendon, hamstring, or allograft) is tailored to the patient's sport, age, and goals. Return-to-sport timelines typically range from 6 to 9 months.

Some meniscus tears, particularly small tears in the outer "red zone" where blood supply is good, can heal or become asymptomatic with physical therapy, activity modification, and time. Other tears — especially larger tears, locked-knee symptoms, or tears in the inner avascular zone — generally require arthroscopic repair or trimming. An MRI and clinical exam help determine which category a tear falls into.

Yes. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush treats workers' compensation patients for knee injuries, including ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and post-traumatic arthritis. Our workers' comp team handles IME, FCE, and impairment rating requests in coordination with employers, case managers, and attorneys. Illinois workers have the right to choose their treating physician.

Appointments can be requested online at rushortho.com or by calling the main scheduling line. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush has seven Chicago-area locations, so patients can usually be seen close to home or work. Most major insurance plans are accepted; new patients can have benefits verified before the first visit.