Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a technique in orthopedic surgery which helps in treating the problems of continuous pain, swelling or "catch" in the knee. Arthroscopy is a kind of electronic camera which is inserted into the knee or other parts of the body so as to get an inside view of the body part., hence the name Knee Arthroscopy given to this surgery. The arthroscope is connected to a monitor which gives a clear image of the inside of the knee while performing the surgery. Cases where a high resolution camera is used, the procedure becomes extremely easy and effective.

Knee Joint

Knee arthroscopy has emerged as a highly effective and accurate diagnostic procedure in the field of knee surgery. Knee is considered to be one of the largest joints in the human body. It has been observed that knee is also one of the most easily injured parts of human body. Human being's knee consists of Femur (lower end of the thigh bone), Tibia (upper end of the shin bone), and a patella (knee cap). Patella is the organ which slides on the femur. Knee problems can occur due to work injuries, sports, arthritis or old age. Knee arthroscopy treatment is the best possible diagnose to treat knee joint malfunctioning.

Merits of knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy technique is considered suitable in the following types of injuries: Torn meniscal cartilage, loose fragments of cartilage or bone, torn ligaments, instability of the knee cap, chondromalacia or damaged joints. One benefit of arthroscopic surgery is the ability of the orthopedic surgeon to decide whether some other type of surgery would be conducive for the patient. Patients between the age of 20 and 60 years have benefited immensely from knee arthroscopic techniques. This technique could also be used for patients below 10 years of age or above 80 years of age.

Arthroscopic knee surgery

To start with, small incisions in the knee joint are made by orthopedic surgeons. A sterile solution is used to rinse away any unwanted fluid in the knee joint. This is done so as to provide a clear view of the knee joint on which the surgery is to be performed. The arthroscope is then inserted into the knee joint. The surgeon can make few other small incisions through which surgical instruments such as scissors, lasers and clamps could be worked inside the knee joint.

Common knee arthroscopy treatments

Following are some of the common knee arthroscopy treatments: torn cruciate ligament reconstruction, torn meniscal cartilage removal, torn articular cartilage trimming, inflamed synovial tissue removal and removal of loose fragments of cartilage. Knee arthroscopy is a technique which is allows the patient to move back home after a few days of recovery. Since no cut in the skin and the knee joint is done during the surgery, the recovery period of an arthroscopic knee surgery is very short.

Recovery after knee arthroscopy

The recovery period of a knee arthroscopy surgery is short as compared to the traditional open knee surgery. The patient is however advised to take some post surgery measures so as to avoid any complications. The patient is advised to keep the leg elevated, follow the dressing schedule, use a walker and take the medications. Some special knee exercises after knee arthroscopy are also advised to help patient gain strength.