What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Common Symptoms That May Require Knee Arthroscopy
If you’re experiencing any of the following knee problems, you may be a candidate for knee arthroscopy:
- Persistent knee pain or stiffness
- Swelling or inflammation in the knee
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensation
- Reduced range of motion
- Knee instability or giving way
- Unresolved symptoms despite physiotherapy or medication
These symptoms could result from injuries or conditions like a torn meniscus, ligament tears (e.g., ACL), loose bone fragments, or arthritis damage.
Knee Arthroscopy Procedure & Treatment
The knee arthroscopy procedure is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Preparation: The knee is sterilized, and the patient is given anesthesia.
- Incision & Camera Insertion: Small incisions (portals) are made, and an arthroscope is inserted to view the inside of the joint.
- Diagnosis & Repair: Based on the diagnosis, surgical tools are introduced through other small incisions to remove or repair damaged tissues.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips, and a dressing is applied.
- Recovery: Most patients go home the same day and start rehabilitation soon after.
The procedure usually lasts between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the issue being treated.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Knee Arthroscopy
While not all knee problems can be prevented, some measures can help reduce your risk of injury:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
- Stretch and warm up before exercise or sports
- Wear proper footwear and sports gear
- Strengthen leg muscles to support the knee joint
- Avoid sudden twisting movements
- Treat knee injuries early with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy offers several advantages compared to traditional open knee surgery:
- Minimally invasive with small incisions
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
- Reduced pain and lower risk of infection
- Better visualization of the joint structure
- Early return to daily activities or sports
- Excellent outcomes for many knee conditions
Types of Knee Arthroscopy Procedures
There are several types of treatments that can be performed during knee arthroscopy, including:
- Meniscectomy or Meniscus Repair: Removing or repairing torn cartilage
- ACL/PCL Reconstruction: Repairing torn ligaments
- Cartilage Restoration: Smoothing or replacing damaged cartilage
- Synovectomy: Removing inflamed synovial tissue
- Loose Body Removal: Extracting bone or cartilage fragments
- Lateral Release: Treating kneecap (patellar) alignment issues
Each type of procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific knee condition and overall health status.