Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the knee joint.

When is a Knee Arthroscopy Needed?

Some cases where a knee arthroscopy might be performed:

·        Diagnosis of Knee Pain: When the cause of knee pain is uncertain, arthroscopy can be used for visual examination and evaluation of the knee structures to identify the source of pain.

·        Treatment of Cartilage Damage: This procedure may be performed to treat cartilage issues, such as defects or lesions.

·        Treatment of Synovial Problems: Knee arthroscopy can help with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the synovial lining of the knee.

·        Treatment of Ligament Injuries: This procedure can be performed to assist in the treatment of ligament injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears.

Who is Candidate for this Procedure?

This procedure might be recommended who have severe pain in their knee and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy and medications.

Knee Arthroscopy Step-by-Step

Typically, the following steps are involved in this procedure:

1.      Anesthesia: Either general anesthesia, where you’re put to sleep, regional anesthesia, where your lower body is numbed, or local anesthesia, where only your knee is numbed, can be used for this procedure.

2.      Incision: After anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make small incisions around your knee joint.

3.      Arthroscopic Examination: An arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera and a light at the end will be inserted through one of the incisions into the knee joint. This will allow your surgeon to visualize the internal structures of your knee.

4.      Treatment Procedures: Through the rest of the incisions, specialized surgical instruments will be inserted to perform the necessary procedures.

5.      Closing Incisions: After the necessary interventions are completed, the instruments will be removed, and the incisions will be closed with sutures. Your surgeon may also apply a sterile bandage to protect the incisions.

Recovery After Surgery

After 1 or 2 hours of recovery in your room, you will be able to go home. Your doctor will provide you with instructions that you must have to follow closely during your recovery period.

Generally, you will have to do physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to restore knee joint strength, movement, and function.

Your doctor may also prescribe you some medication to manage pain after surgery.