Your Knee Specialist in Vienna
Dr. Martin Gruber – Expertise in Knee Joint Care
Your knee specialist Vienna
The human knee is not only the largest but also the most complex joint in the body. The knee is a complex joint that allows flexion and extension of the leg. It consists of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur) meeting the upper end of the shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). The knee is held together by a series of ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Do you have a knee injury and are looking for a specialist? Then you are exactly right with me!
Specialized Treatment of Knee Injuries: My Focus as an Orthopedic Surgeon
To restore injured knees to full function requires technology, understanding of physics and mechanics. For me as a knee specialist in Vienna, the knee is a technical masterpiece and one of the exciting areas of orthopedics – a highly efficient machine with countless components, connections, gadgets and functions. It’s all about unerringly turning the right screw so that everything works smoothly. And that’s what I’ve been doing with passion as a knee specialist for 20 years.
Treating Knee Pain: Your Knee Specialist, Dr. Martin Gruber, for Vienna and the Surrounding Area
I am a board-certified orthopedic specialist in Vienna who focuses on the conservative and surgical treatment of knee problems, making me your go-to expert for all matters related to the knee.
- Areas of expertise: Cruciate ligament repair surgery, meniscus treatment, cartilage reconstruction, and knee arthroplasty (joint replacement).
- Approach: Individualized treatment plans—ranging from minimally invasive procedures to specialized physical therapy for athletes and patients with osteoarthritis.
- Location: Clinic in Vienna equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology for precise identification of the causes of knee pain.
Your Knee Specialist Vienna – For appointments I am available in my surgery in Vienna during surgery hours at any time!
State-of-the-Art Knee Surgery & Conservative Treatment: My Range of Treatments in Vienna
There are many different diseases and conditions that can affect the knee joint. Here you will find an overview of treatment options for your knee problems!
Treatment for Meniscus Injuries (Meniscus Surgery)
A meniscus tear impairs your knee’s shock-absorbing function and increases the risk of osteoarthritis. As a specialist in Vienna, I focus on preserving the tissue using state-of-the-art techniques.
- Meniscus Suture (Refixation): Minimally invasive preservation of the meniscus.
- Partial meniscus resection: Precise removal of damaged sections.
- Conservative Treatment: Therapy for Degenerative Tears.
Treatment for Cruciate Ligament Injuries (Cruciate Ligament Surgery)
The cruciate ligament is the cornerstone of your knee’s stability. A tear severely impairs the rolling-and-gliding mechanism. Precise restoration of function is crucial for an active lifestyle.
- Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Anatomical replacement using state-of-the-art tendon grafts.
- Individualized Treatment: Balancing Conservative Rehabilitation and High-Precision Knee Surgery.
- Return to Sports: Specialized post-treatment care for a safe return to sports.
Treatment for cartilage injuries
Healthy cartilage allows your knee to move smoothly. Wear and tear or injuries can lead to pain, inflammation, and noises (creaking). The goal of my therapy is long-term joint preservation.
- Cartilage reconstruction: Innovative techniques for restoring the articular surface (e.g., microfracturing).
- Accurate Diagnosis: Comprehensive assessment of the extent of the damage at my Vienna practice.
- Joint-preserving therapy: A combination of modern injection therapies and minimally invasive arthroscopy.
Treatment for patellar luxation
The kneecap (patella) is essential for pain-free flexion and extension. If it pops out of its groove due to a twisting motion (patellar dislocation), a specialist evaluation is absolutely necessary to stabilize the joint.
- Patellar Dislocation: Treatment of Acute Dislocations and Chronic Instability of the Patella.
- Conservative stabilization: Targeted muscle strengthening and the use of splints to prevent further damage.
- Surgical correction: Reconstruction of the ligament complex (MPFL) to restore long-term stability and the ability to participate in sports.
Treatment for leg malposition
Misalignments such as bowlegs (genu valgum) or knock-knees (genu varum) lead to uneven stress on the joints. As a knee specialist, I precisely correct these misalignments to prevent secondary damage such as early-onset osteoarthritis.
- Realignment osteotomy: Surgical correction of the leg axis to relieve pressure on the affected joint segment.
- Post-traumatic correction: Treatment of malalignments following bone fractures (e.g., tibial tuberosity).
- Joint Preservation: Early Leg Straightening as an Effective Way to Prevent the Need for Joint Replacement Surgery.
Artificial knee joint for osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is usually caused by a combination of aging, misalignments, or untreated previous injuries. As a knee specialist in Vienna, I offer a wide range of treatments to help you regain your mobility pain-free.
- Conservative Treatment for Osteoarthritis: Targeted measures to relieve pain and slow joint wear.
- Knee Replacement (Endoprosthetics): High-precision implantation of partial or total knee replacements in cases of advanced wear and tear.
- Cause-oriented approach: Treatment of meniscus or ligament injuries to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.
The Baker cyst
Swelling or a feeling of tightness in the back of the knee often indicates a Baker’s cyst. This is usually a symptom of an underlying knee problem (e.g., meniscus damage) and requires a targeted evaluation to determine the cause.
- Symptom Relief: Targeted physical therapy, rest, and exercises to stabilize the muscles.
- Diagnosis of the underlying cause: Identification of the underlying joint disease to permanently eliminate the cyst.
- State-of-the-art treatment: a combination of conservative measures and—if necessary—surgical repair of the inner part of the knee.
The Runner's Knee | Runner's Knee
Runner’s knee (iliotibial band syndrome) is a classic overuse injury associated with running-intensive sports. Stabbing pain on the outside of the knee joint requires a detailed analysis of running form and individualized treatment.
- Targeted Diagnostics: Differentiating between ITBS, lateral meniscus tears, or functional misalignments.
- Conservative treatment: A combination of manual therapy, fascia training, and specific strengthening exercises.
- Prevention & Return to Run: Optimizing Exercise Load Management for a Lasting, Pain-Free Return to Sports.
Treatment of lateral ligament tears of the knee
In addition to the anterior cruciate ligament, the collateral ligaments (medial collateral ligament/MCL and lateral collateral ligament/LCL) and the posterior cruciate ligament are crucial for knee stability. Injuries often occur in combination and require a precise biomechanical evaluation.
- Collateral ligament injuries: Treatment of partial or complete tears of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.
- Combined Injuries: Treatment of Complex Instabilities (e.g., “Unhappy Triad”) at my Vienna practice.
- Functional rehabilitation: Focus on maintaining lateral stability through specialized brace therapy or surgical ligament reconstruction.
Your Expert in Sports Traumatology and Knee Surgery in Vienna
I’ll help you get back to your daily routine and sports as quickly as possible after a knee injury. My approach combines years of surgical experience with the latest conservative treatment methods.
My goal is not only to relieve pain, but also to restore your knee joint’s full physiological resilience. In doing so, preserving the natural joint structures is always my top priority.
Sports traumatology - my specialty
Through my years of experience in the treatment of sports injuries, I bring the necessary expertise to suggest individual treatment methods and also perform them myself. Whether through conservative therapy or knee surgery – together we will find the most suitable treatment approach for you to be able to fully resume your sporting activities.
Why patients trust my expertise:
- Extensive experience: Specializes in the treatment of complex sports injuries and degenerative knee conditions.
- Personalized Treatment: Tailored Solutions—from conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections) to highly specialized knee surgery.
- Sports Focus: Expertise in sports traumatology to enable athletes to safely return to sports.
- State-of-the-art technology: Use of minimally invasive surgical techniques for faster recovery and less tissue trauma.
The anatomy of the knee
The anatomy of the knee is complex, as it is an articulated joint between the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). The knee joint enables movements such as flexion, extension and slight rotations. Here are the main components of the anatomy of the knee:
The kneecap, also known as the patella, is a small, flat bone that lies in front of the knee joint and guides the tendon of the quadriceps muscle across the front of the knee. This protects the knee and improves leverage when extending the leg.
The thigh bone, also known as the femur, is the longest bone in the human body and plays a central role in the musculoskeletal system. The femur forms the upper part of the leg and supports the weight of the entire body. It helps the body to stand upright and enables locomotion. The femur also forms the connection to the pelvis and knee joint.
The tibia bears a large part of the body weight and transfers it from the thigh to the foot. Together with the thigh bone (femur) it forms the knee joint and together with the ankle bone (fibula) the upper and lower ankle joint. It is also an important component of the knee joint and contributes to the stability and mobility of the knee.
The fibula, also known as the fibula, is the narrower of the two bones in the lower leg. Compared to the tibia, the larger bone in the lower leg, the fibula does not have the same load-bearing function, but it still plays a supporting role by contributing to the stability of the knee
The knee contains two cartilage discs called menisci (inside and outside). The menisci act as shock absorbers and help to stabilize the joint.
These ligaments are located inside the knee joint and cross over each other to provide stability. For example, the anterior cruciate ligament prevents the lower leg from sliding too far forward, while the posterior cruciate ligament prevents it from sliding backwards.
Various muscles and tendons, such as the quadriceps muscle at the front and the ischiocrural muscles at the back, are arranged around the knee and enable the joint to move.
These small fluid-filled pockets serve as sliding surfaces and reduce friction between the bones, tendons and muscles.
The correct function of the knee depends on many factors. Injuries, overuse or age-related changes often make everyday life more difficult for those affected, as they have to contend with restricted movement and severe pain.
Once your knee is injured, it takes a lot of perseverance and discipline to return to your usual freedom of movement. If knee pain or problems persist, it is important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. I – Dr. Martin Gruber – have years of experience in sports medicine and will do my best to help you return to a pain-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions for Your Knee Specialist in Vienna (FAQ)
The anatomy of the knee is complex, as it is an articulated joint between the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). The knee joint enables movements such as flexion, extension and slight rotations. Here are the main components of the anatomy of the knee:
If you are experiencing acute knee pain, swelling, a feeling of instability (e.g., the knee giving way), or painful locking, it is advisable to seek evaluation by a specialist. Especially after sports injuries (suspected cruciate ligament or meniscus tear), an early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term damage such as osteoarthritis.
At my practice in Vienna, we follow the principle: joint preservation before joint replacement. Only when conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections, shock wave therapy) have been exhausted or the stability of the knee is compromised (e.g., in cases of complex patellar dislocation or a torn cruciate ligament) do we discuss state-of-the-art surgical options such as arthroscopy.
Rehabilitation is individualized and depends on the procedure. While patients often regain full weight-bearing capacity within a few weeks after a partial meniscus resection, a cruciate ligament reconstruction or realignment osteotomy requires targeted physical therapy for several months. My goal is a safe return to sports.
Yes, sports traumatology is a core area of my practice. We usually treat conditions such as runner’s knee (iliotibial band syndrome) or pain in the kneecap successfully using functional analyses and conservative treatment plans to restore full functional capacity for sports.
You can easily schedule appointments online or by phone. As a private practice physician, I offer you a thorough consultation without any time pressure. You can then submit the bill to your public health insurance provider or private supplemental insurance for reimbursement.
A Baker’s cyst is usually a symptom of an underlying condition inside the knee, such as meniscus damage or osteoarthritis. At my practice in Vienna, we first determine the cause of the fluid buildup. Treatment ranges from conservative measures such as reducing stress on the knee and physical therapy to surgical correction of the underlying cause to prevent the cyst from recurring.
Yes, misalignments of the leg axis (genu valgum/varum) can also be corrected in adults using a realignment osteotomy. This procedure is particularly important if the abnormal stress on the joint is already causing pain on one side of the knee. Straightening the leg relieves pressure on the articular cartilage and can often delay the need for a knee replacement by many years.
Cartilage injuries often manifest as a crunching sensation or pain that worsens with activity. After a clinical examination and imaging tests (MRI), we make a personalized decision: For minor damage, we use regenerative procedures such as microfracturing or modern injection therapies. In cases of extensive wear and tear (osteoarthritis), we provide comprehensive counseling on joint replacement (endoprosthetics).