Until fairly recently, it was considered impossible to perform joint surgery without making significantly large incisions. Thanks to advanced modern technology, it’s now possible to conduct surgical procedures using small, thin instruments – requiring only small incisions.
In particular, arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed to repair knee injuries, including many types of knee fractures. Let’s talk about some of the key benefits of arthroscopy, how it works in repairing a broken knee, and where you can go throughout North Dakota to see a world-class orthopaedic surgeon who can help you get your knee back to working like normal again.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Procedure
This technique involves the use of an arthroscope, which is a thin, tube-like instrument that has camera functionality at the end. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to visualize – in real-time – the knee’s bones, connective tissues, and other structures without the need for a large incision.
The camera beams the image to a display monitor there in the operating room, allowing the entire medical team to watch the progress of the operation. A buttonhole-sized incision is sufficient to insert the arthroscope into the knee for this minimally invasive treatment.
In fixing a knee fracture, your surgeon may use bio-grade wires, small screws, nails, or plates to keep the broken bone fragments in place for proper healing. Tiny arthroscopic instruments may also be used to remove damaged tissue or to shave off injured bone tissue.
Once the bone fragments are set in place, the bone tissues will heal and fuse together naturally. Most arthroscopic knee operations are outpatient procedures, so you will likely be able to go home later that day.
Benefits of Arthroscopy to Repair a Broken Knee
Orthopaedic surgeons often prescribe arthroscopic knee surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery, which requires larger incisions and therefore a longer recovery period. Open surgery involves more skin and muscle to be cut to reach the knee; thus, it can carry an increased risk of bleeding and inadvertent injury to the knee joint.
By eliminating the need for large incisions, arthroscopic knee surgery can lead to better medical results and a faster recovery time.
Knee arthroscopy is also useful for diagnostic purposes. Your doctor can have a clear view of the internal structures of the knee, spotting tiny fractures or inflammation. Medical imaging may not always provide a total view of the issues involved in knee pain, but having knee arthroscopy can allow your orthopedic doctor to detect and repair issues in the knee joint.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota
Arthroscopy provides surgeons and patients with safer, more efficient options for treating knee pain. This procedure is well-suited in repairing minor knee fractures, bone spurs in the knee, and similar orthopedic conditions.
Through our various locations across North Dakota, The Bone & Joint Center provides top-notch expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and full rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions, including knee arthritis and sports injuries.
Learn more by calling us at (800) 424-2663 or easily request an appointment through our online form now. We look forward to being your orthopedic physicians of choice!
