Her special interests include pediatric and adult cartilage repair and restoration of the knee, shoulder and elbow, ACL reconstruction, multi-ligament knee reconstruction, patellar instability, total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, biceps tendon repairs, shoulder instability surgery and ligament reconstruction of the elbow.
For the majority of sports injuries, Dr. Lawyer will exhaust all conservative options prior to recommending surgical management. If a patient has failed conservative management, Dr. Lawyer will offer a thorough and thoughtful surgical plan. Each surgical plan is designed to offer the best possible outcome, accelerate rehabilitation, and return patients to their previous level of activity and function as quickly as possible.
Cartilage Preservation Specialist
Cartilage preservation and restoration is a crucial aspect of living a pain free, active lifestyle. Dr Lawyer is an expert in the field of cartilage preservation, restoration and repair, and has trained in the various techniques and technologies associated with these cutting edge procedures. Dr Lawyer has been trained in technology such as: MACI, OATS, PRP Injection, BioCartilage, and other cartilage focused technologies. She travels to teach other orthopaedic surgeons all over the country how to better preserve and repair cartilage.
ACL Repair & Reconstruction
Dr Lawyer employs techniques in ACL repair and reconstruction with the goal of getting patients back to their preferred level of activity as quickly and safely as possible. ACL surgical techniques and technologies have evolved substantially, with recent advancements allowing for better outcomes and faster recoveries than what was previously possible. Dr. Lawyer utilizes proven techniques and technologies, when appropriate, for her patients to minimize time off of the field.
Meniscal Repair
& Allograft Transplantation
Meniscal repair is a minimally invasive procedure with the goal of preserving healthy meniscus tissue and protecting cartilage in the knee. Meniscus transplantation is a specialty procedure for young patients who are eligible to receive a allograft transplantation from a donor.
Dr Lawyer will repair the meniscus whenever possible to preserve the natural biomechanics of the knee and cartilage. In the case where this is not possible and it is a fit for the patient, she offers meniscal transplants, a specialty surgery where the patient receives an allograft meniscus from a donor.
Rotator CUFF REPAIR
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is utilized to repair torn tendons in the shoulder with the goal of restoring function and flexibility, and to relieve pain. Dr Lawyer utilizes a variety of technology and techniques to provide her patients with the fixation they need to get back to their preferred level of activity.
Total and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (Replacement)
Total and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty is an option for patients with end-stage shoulder arthritis, that involves replacing portions of the shoulder joint with artificial implants to reduce pain and restore mobility. Dr Lawyer is trained in both Total and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, providing what is usually a successful option to patients with end stage arthritis and that are limited by pain. Patients are usually able to return to playing golf, tennis, swimming and other activities that were previously limited due to pain.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP is a field of regenerative medicine that uses injections of a patient’s own activated platelets to address pain and musculoskeletal injury. Dr. Lawyer is able to provide PRP injections in clinic for patients suffering from pain or chronic injury. PRP harnesses natural growth factors that have separated out of a blood sample to ideally help accelerate the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints.
