Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a tiny camera to view the inside of your knee joint.
Understanding Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, in general, is a minimally invasive surgical technique. Knee arthroscopy specifically focuses on the knee joint. This procedure allows surgeons to diagnose and treat a variety of knee problems without making a large incision. Small cuts are made to insert the camera and small surgical tools into your knee for the procedure. It is surgery that is done to check for problems, using a tiny camera to see inside your knee.
Key Aspects of Knee Arthroscopy
- Diagnostic Tool: Knee arthroscopy allows doctors to visually inspect the inside of the knee.
- Minimally Invasive: It involves small incisions, leading to quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
- Surgical Intervention: Small surgical tools can be inserted to repair or remove damaged tissue during the procedure.
Why is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?
Knee arthroscopy is performed for a variety of reasons, including:
- Diagnosing unexplained knee pain: When other imaging techniques are inconclusive.
- Treating meniscus tears: Repairing or removing damaged cartilage.
- Reconstructing ligaments: Repairing torn ligaments, such as the ACL.
- Removing loose bodies: Removing fragments of cartilage or bone that are causing pain and catching.
- Treating cartilage damage: Addressing damaged articular cartilage.
The Procedure
- Small Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee.
- Insertion of Arthroscope: An arthroscope (a small camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to project images onto a screen.
- Examination and Treatment: The surgeon examines the knee joint and performs necessary repairs or procedures using specialized instruments inserted through the other incisions.
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
- Smaller incisions.
- Reduced pain.
- Faster recovery.
- Less scarring.
