Knee arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.

Procedure

During knee arthroscopy, a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and the surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, the surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery.

Indications

Knee arthroscopy is commonly used for the treatment of various conditions such as meniscus tear, ACL reconstruction, and synovectomy. It is also used for the diagnosis and treatment of patellofemoral syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and knee ligament tear.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, knee arthroscopy has potential risks and complications. These include infection, blood clots, damage to nerves or blood vessels, and complications from anesthesia. However, the risk of complications is generally low.

Recovery

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is faster than recovery from traditional open knee surgery. Still, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully after returning home.

See Also

• Orthopedic surgery
• Arthroscopy
• Knee pain
• Knee replacement