Knee Arthroscopy
Learn more about arthroscopic knee surgery.
Quick Facts on Knee Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopy knee surgery is most commonly used for the removal or repair of torn meniscal cartilage, although it is also used for the removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage or the removal of inflamed synovial tissue.
- Knee arthroscopy, or knee scope, allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat your pain through small incisions.
- Our orthopedic surgeons use high definition monitors and high-resolution cameras to properly diagnose and treat patients.
- Our on-site physicians oversee recovery and Physical Therapy if needed.
What is knee arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy for the knee is most commonly used for the removal or repair of torn meniscal cartilage. Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament or trimming of torn pieces of articular cartilage. Knee arthroscopy is also used for the removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage or the removal of inflamed synovial tissue.
Technical advances have led to high definition monitors and high-resolution cameras, and arthroscopic knee surgery is essentially a small scope used to see the inside of the knee. These and other improvements have made arthroscopy a very effective tool for treating knee problems. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, more than 4 million knee arthroscopies are performed worldwide each year.
How is arthroscopic knee surgery performed?
Your surgeon’s first task is to properly diagnose your problem. He or she will insert the arthroscope, or knee scope, and use the image projected on the screen to guide it. Your surgeon can use arthroscopy to feel, repair, or remove damaged tissue. To do this, small surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions around your knee. If further surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through another small incision. These instruments might be scissors, motorized shavers, or lasers. This part of the procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to over an hour but depends upon the findings and the treatment necessary.
Your surgeon may close your incisions with a stitch or steri-strips (small bandaids) and cover them with a soft bandage. You will be moved to the recovery room and should be able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home.
Risks and limitations:
As with any surgery, knee arthroscopy has risks. These include infection and potential damage to nerves and arteries. Stiffness may need to be addressed through post-operative rehabilitation. Knee arthroscopy is not appropriate for all knee conditions and is dependent on the surgeon’s training, expertise, and comfort level.
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