Injuries, overuse, and certain medical conditions can cause knee pain. Since we use our knees for everything we do on our feet, dealing with knee pain can be a big problem. While these can be treated through non-surgical procedures, some cases warrant surgery.
An arthroscopy is an excellent option for those who want a minimally invasive procedure. So, what is arthroscopic knee surgery, and why is it performed?
Here’s everything you need to know:
What Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into a small incision. This device allows your surgeon to inspect the joint for damage. They can also use other instruments to repair or remove damaged structures that may be causing pain and limiting movement. Using arthroscopic knee surgery, your surgeon can diagnose the condition causing you pain or treat your joint issue.
The Benefits Of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
One of the biggest upsides to arthroscopic knee surgery is its reduced risk of infection. That is due to decreased exposure during the procedure compared to open surgery.
In addition, this procedure involves keeping nearby healthy tissue intact. It protects the surrounding knee structures, such as skin, muscles, and ligaments, from being damaged due to the smaller size of the surgical incision and the use of tools that work around tissues instead of cutting through them, something that isn’t possible with open knee surgery. This procedure also has more advantages, including:
- Quicker recovery time
- Fewer stitches and scarring
- Less pain
What Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Is Used For
Arthroscopy is a widely performed procedure for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. However, it is not the go-to for all forms of knee pain. It’s still best to consult with your doctor to know if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Below are the usual uses of arthroscopic knee surgery:
Meniscus Repair
The meniscus is an important knee structure for load transmission and shock absorption. Thus, a torn meniscus can lead to knee pain and swelling. It can even cause degenerative conditions. Arthroscopic knee surgery for meniscus repair can preserve the meniscus cartilage and mitigate these problems.
ACL Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. Tears in this ligament that don’t heal well can lead to knee instability and difficulty bearing weight. Torn ACL remnants can be arthroscopically removed and replaced with a tendon graft to restore stability and preserve motion.
Plica Excision
Plica are natural folds in the synovium near the kneecap. Due to overuse and repetitive motions, the synovial tissue and plica may become inflamed and cause pain. A knee arthroscopy may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Lateral Release
Arthroscopy can help patients experiencing pain and pressure from the tightening of the lateral retinaculum tissue. Your surgeon can perform lateral release surgery arthroscopically, which allows them to cut through a tight group of tendons in the kneecap. Doing so restores the normal alignment of the kneecap.
Microfracture
This arthroscopic procedure is performed to treat damaged areas in the articular knee cartilage. After removing unstable cartilage from the exposed bone, microfractures are made in the exposed bone to enable the formation of new tissue. Bone marrow cells and blood from the holes create a “super clot” that will completely cover the damaged area.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery In North Dakota
Most patients return unrestricted to their normal activities after arthroscopy. Recovery is usually quick, and you should be able to return to most physical activities after 6 to 8 weeks — maybe even sooner! With the proper guidance and treatment, you can leave your knee pain in the past and live an unhindered life.
More doctors and patients are starting to prefer minimally invasive and lower-risk surgeries like knee arthroscopy for knee pain treatment. At The Bone & Joint Center, our bone & joint specialists are highly skilled in these medical options. We are committed to offering only the best comprehensive care to fix your knee problems and ensure a seamless recovery.
If you are experiencing orthopedic problems, call us at (800) 424-2663 or request an appointment online. Let us help you return to your daily activities, pain-free!
