Knee Arthroscopy
What Is a Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed on the knee using an arthroscope, an endoscope which is inserted through a small incision. Thanks to the endoscope, doctors can view the knee joint from the inside and therefore diagnose a wide range of issues.
Common arthroscopic procedures include:
- Partial meniscectomy (removal of the meniscus), repair of a torn meniscus, or meniscus transplantation
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament or posterior cruciate ligament
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Trimming or reconstruction of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage, like those caused by synovial chondromatosis
- Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
- Treatment of knee sepsis (infection)
Diagnosing and Treating Knee Conditions or Injuries with Knee Arthroscopy
Thanks to knee arthroscopy, Dr. Ashford is able to safely diagnose and treat conditions or injuries affecting your knee joints, including:
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- A torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Torn meniscus
- Cartilage defects
- Knee bone fractures
- Swollen synovium (joint lining)
- Displaced patella (kneecap)
- Knee sepsis (infection)
If you need surgery to repair tendons, ligaments or cartilage, Dr. Ashford uses specially designed tools that are smaller than traditional ones. Thanks to the camera footage, Dr. Ashford can be guided during the procedure and repair and reconstruct soft tissues by stitching them together.
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
How Is It Performed?
Before your knee arthroscopy, you should tell Dr. Ashford about the medications that you’re taking. He may suggest that you stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) before surgery.
Right before your procedure, you will be administered anesthesia to maximize comfort and not feel pain. Dr. Ashford may recommend:
- Applying a local anesthetic, to numb the area.
- Regional anesthetic, to numb you from the waist down.
- General anesthetic, to put you to sleep for the procedure.
During your knee arthroscopy, Dr. Ashford will clean your leg and secure your knee in a stabilizing device. Then, he will make a small cut and insert a long metal tool (the arthroscope) with a camera attached on the end, whose images appear on a screen in the O.R. He will use them to reach diagnosis and guide the procedure.
With tools that are smaller than those used in the traditional surgery kit, he can repair torn tissues, shave off damaged bone or cartilage and remove inflamed or damaged tissues.
Most knee arthroscopies take about an hour and are outpatient procedures, therefore you may go home the same day. It is important that you remember that you will not be able to drive, so someone must drive you back.
During your recovery, you should avoid putting weight on your knee for a few days. If necessary, you can use crutches or a walker to help you get around. Elevating your knee is important to reduce swelling and relieve pain. The ideal height is above your heart.
Once you have had time to heal, Dr. Ashford may recommend physical therapy as a complement to help you gain strength and mobility.
Why Is It Beneficial?
Knee arthroscopy presents benefits in contrast with traditional surgery because:
- It is minimally invasive
- It requires less recovery time
- You only need a few stitches
- You can get back to your daily activities more quickly
- There are lower chances of infection
- Patients feel less pain
If you are experiencing knee pain or have a knee injury, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today.