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Sports Injuries · Arthritis · Knee Replacement

Knee Care in Hawai‘i

The knee is where sports injuries and arthritis meet. A torn ACL in a 20-year-old, a meniscus tear in a 45-year-old, and worn-out cartilage in a 70-year-old need very different plans. Pacific Bone & Joint treats the whole range in one practice, so you are not handed off between organizations as your needs change.

Care starts with an accurate diagnosis and the least invasive reasonable option: physical therapy, bracing, weight management, and injections. When surgery is the right choice, the same team offers ACL reconstruction and BEAR® repair, meniscus repair, cartilage restoration, and robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement.

The Right Level of Care

The right level of care for your knee

Not every knee problem needs surgery. We move you through the appropriate level of care instead of pushing every patient toward one treatment.

  1. 1

    Diagnosis

    Exam, standing X-rays, and diagnostic ultrasound when useful. MRI is ordered when it will change the plan.

    Do you need an MRI for knee pain?

  2. 2

    Physical therapy, bracing, and weight management

    Strengthening and movement retraining are first-line care for arthritis, kneecap problems, and many meniscus tears. Even modest weight loss reduces knee load.

    PB&J Physical Therapy · Weight loss and knee arthritis

  3. 3

    Injections and orthobiologics

    Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid and other injections, plus PRP or BMAC for selected patients, often paired with MLS laser therapy and rehab.

    Ultrasound-guided knee injections · PRP & BMAC · MLS laser therapy

  4. 4

    Joint-preserving surgery

    ACL reconstruction or BEAR® repair, meniscus repair, and cartilage restoration to keep your own knee working.

    ACL surgery · Meniscus repair · Cartilage restoration

  5. 5

    Knee replacement

    Robotic-assisted knee replacement when arthritis has worn out the joint: ROSA® total knee at The Queen’s Medical Center, CORI® at Adventist Health Castle, and MAKO™ total and partial knee at Hilo Community Surgery Center.

    Robotic knee replacement · Partial knee replacement

  6. 6

    Recovery

    Prehab before surgery and a structured rehab plan after it, coordinated with the team that planned your care.

    Prehab before knee replacement · Recovery week by week

The Pacific Bone & Joint team at the clinic in Hawai‘i
The Pacific Bone & Joint team

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Physical therapy for knee pain and knee surgery

PB&J Physical Therapy works inside our Honolulu and Waipahu/Kunia clinics, so your rehabilitation is planned with the same orthopedic team that treats you. Many orthopedic problems improve with therapy alone, and Hawai‘i allows direct access to physical therapy without a physician referral (some plans still require one for coverage).

PB&J Physical Therapy →

Patient Reviews

What patients say

4.9 average across 504 ratings on 8 review sites

“So glad I did my knee replacement with Dr. Morton — there is no more arthritis pain. Physical therapy is so important, and I can’t stress that enough. Bryson and Chelsea work side by side with Dr. Morton, so if there’s a challenge they can talk right there. They really do hands-on work and watch so I can’t cheat.”

— Mary P.· Google review

“Dr. Morton and his staff have been awesome. The robotic knee surgery went perfectly. His support staff Kelcie is kind and efficient, and the PTs Chelsea and Bryson have been the most beneficial to recovery!”

— Annie U.· Google review

Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed. Results vary.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an MRI for knee pain?+

Not always. Standing X-rays answer most arthritis questions, and an exam diagnoses many ligament and meniscus injuries. MRI is ordered when it will change the plan. If you already have imaging, upload it before your visit.

Can I avoid knee replacement?+

Many people can for years. Strengthening, weight management, bracing, activity changes, injections, and PRP or BMAC for selected patients all help. When arthritis keeps you from the life you want despite good care, knee replacement is a reliable option.

Partial or total knee replacement: which do I need?+

Partial knee replacement treats arthritis limited to one part of the knee and keeps your own ligaments. Total knee replacement treats more widespread damage. X-rays, the exam, and ligament stability decide which fits you.

Which robotic system will be used for my knee?+

It depends on where your surgery takes place: ROSA® at The Queen’s Medical Center, CORI® at Adventist Health Castle, or MAKO™ at Hilo Community Surgery Center. The robot assists; the surgeon controls every step.

Can a torn ACL heal without a graft?+

For eligible patients with the right tear pattern and timing, the BEAR® implant helps the body heal its own ACL. Most other patients do well with modern ACL reconstruction. Some lower-demand patients choose rehabilitation without surgery.

How long is recovery after knee replacement?+

Most patients walk with support the same day and return to many daily activities over 6 to 12 weeks, with continued improvement for up to a year. Prehab before surgery and consistent physical therapy after it make a meaningful difference.

Find the source, then the right treatment

Request an appointment through Klara, our secure messaging tool, or call us. Bring or upload any outside imaging so we can review it before your visit.

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