Specialties of Dr. Caffrey

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

Arthroscopy refers to a procedure in which a joint is viewed using a small camera. It allows Dr. Caffrey to diagnose and treat knee disorders by providing a clear view of the inside of the knee. Signs that you may be a candidate for this procedure include swelling, persistent pain, catching, giving way, and loss of confidence in your knee. When other treatments, such as the regular use of medications, knee supports, and physical therapy, have provided minimal or no improvement, you may benefit from arthroscopy.

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for joint replacement. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of aging. It causes the cartilage covering the joint surfaces to wear out, resulting in pain and stiffness. Total joint replacement will be considered if other treatment options will not relieve the pain and disability. In joint replacement surgery, Dr. Caffrey will remove the arthritic or damaged joint and replace it with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. This relieves pain and improves mobility.

TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT

In an arthroscopic examination, Dr. Caffrey makes a small incision in the patient's skin and then inserts instruments that magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. This lets Dr. Caffrey see the cartilage and ligaments to determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem, if necessary. Candidates for shoulder arthroscopy include patients with chronic inflammation, rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations.

SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles and tendons that give the shoulder mobility and stability. Rotator cuff tears are most commonly caused by degeneration of the tendon, and occur more frequently in older patients. Some patients find relief in non- surgical treatments, but surgery may be necessary for patients with acute pain, weakness or loss of function. Dr. Caffrey can perform minimally invasive surgery on many patients, often resulting in less post-operative pain and stiffness, a shorter hospital stay, and shorter recovery time.

ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY

ACL SURGERY

A torn ACL will not heal without surgery. To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the ligament must be reconstructed. Dr. Caffrey will replace the torn ligament with a tissue graft, which will act as a scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. The goal of the ACL reconstruction surgery is to prevent instability and restore the function of the torn ligament, creating a stable knee, thus allowing the patient to return to full mobility. Because the regrowth takes time, it may be six months or more before an athlete can return to sports after ACL reconstruction surgery