Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. During the procedure, an arthroscope (a small camera) is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a video monitor. This technique enables the surgeon to diagnose and treat knee problems with less tissue damage than traditional open surgery.
Complete Procedure
- Preparation: The patient is usually given regional or general anesthesia.
The knee is cleaned and sterilized. A tourniquet might be applied to the thigh to reduce blood flow to the knee.
- Incisions: Small incisions (portals) are made around the knee joint. The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions.
- Examination and Diagnosis: The surgeon examines the inside of the knee joint using the camera. Saline solution is used to expand the joint and provide a clear view.
- Treatment: If necessary, surgical instruments are inserted through additional incisions. Common procedures include trimming damaged cartilage, repairing torn ligaments, or removing loose fragments.
- Closure: The instruments are removed, and the saline solution is drained. The incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips and covered with a bandage.
- Recovery: The patient is moved to a recovery room and monitored until the anesthesia wears off. Post-operative instructions are given, including care for the incisions, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
Why Knee Arthroscopy is Necessary
Knee arthroscopy is necessary to diagnose and treat various knee problems when non-surgical treatments have not provided relief. It is used for conditions such as:
- Torn meniscus (cartilage)
- Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL/PCL)
- Inflamed or damaged synovium (lining of the joint)
- Misalignment of the patella (kneecap)
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Baker’s cyst (a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee)
- Knee sepsis (infection in the joint)
Types of Knee Arthroscopy
Diagnostic Arthroscopy:
Used to diagnose the source of knee pain or dysfunction.
Can be performed when imaging tests (X-ray, MRI) are inconclusive.
Therapeutic Arthroscopy:
Performed to treat various knee problems identified during the diagnostic phase.
Includes procedures such as:
- Meniscectomy: Removal of a torn meniscus.
- Meniscus Repair: Suturing of a torn meniscus.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments like the ACL.
- Chondroplasty: Smoothing of damaged cartilage.
- Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed synovial tissue.
- Microfracture Surgery: Drilling small holes in the bone to stimulate cartilage growth.
- Lateral Release: Releasing tight structures on the outside of the kneecap to improve its alignment.
Knee arthroscopy is a versatile and effective surgical technique for diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee conditions. Its minimally invasive nature allows for quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain compared to traditional open knee surgery.
