Knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. It involves inserting a small camera called an arthroscope and specialized instruments through tiny incisions around the knee joint, allowing the surgeon to visualize and access the internal structures of the knee.

Diagnostic Capabilities: One of the primary uses of knee arthroscopy is its diagnostic capacity. The arthroscope provides a clear, magnified view of the inside of the knee joint, including the cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and synovium. This enables the surgeon to accurately assess the extent of any damage or abnormalities and diagnose the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms, such as knee pain, swelling, or instability.

Therapeutic Interventions: Knee arthroscopy also allows for a range of therapeutic interventions to be performed during the same procedure. Common surgical treatments include:

Meniscus Repair or Removal: Tears or damage to the meniscus, the rubbery, C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint, can be addressed arthroscopically. Depending on the extent and location of the tear, the surgeon may repair the meniscus using sutures or remove the damaged portion.
Ligament Reconstruction: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or other knee ligaments can be treated arthroscopically through ligament reconstruction surgery. This involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically sourced from the patient’s own tissue or a donor.
Cartilage Restoration: Arthroscopic techniques can be used to treat cartilage defects or injuries, such as articular cartilage lesions or chondral defects. Procedures like microfracture, cartilage transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) can help promote cartilage healing and prevent further degeneration.
Synovectomy: In cases of inflammatory conditions like synovitis or rheumatoid arthritis, the surgeon may perform a synovectomy to remove inflamed or hypertrophic synovial tissue, reducing pain and improving joint function.
Debridement: Arthroscopic debridement involves removing loose fragments of cartilage or bone, smoothing rough surfaces, and cleaning out debris from the joint, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Minimally Invasive Approach: Knee arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open knee surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, less postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and lower risk of complications such as infection and stiffness. These benefits make it an attractive option for patients seeking effective treatment with minimal disruption to their daily lives.