Arthroscopic knee surgery is a surgical technique that involves the creation of a very small incision into which a flexible, miniature, fiber-optic camera (also known as an arthroscope) is inserted. The arthroscope projects a view of the structures inside the knee onto a monitor, thereby allowing the orthopedic surgeon to examine the knee and repair any possible damages to it.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is not only a treatment procedure but also a diagnostic test, and it complements X-ray and other imaging test results. Arthroscopic knee surgery is recommended for people experiencing undiagnosed chronic knee pain and mobility issues and those whose symptoms are no longer responding to conservative interventions.
Applications of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons perform arthroscopic knee surgeries to address the following injuries or conditions:
- Anterior or posterior cruciate ligament tears
- Baker’s cyst
- Fragmented bone or cartilage
- Mechanical degeneration of the articular cartilage (a thin layer of specialized connective tissue that helps absorb forces throughout the knee)
- Meniscus tears (tears in the cartilage between the bones in the knee)
- Patellar dislocation (kneecap dislocation)
- Patellar fracture
- Synovium inflammation (inflammation of the membrane that lines your joints caused by repetitive movement)
Advantages of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Because arthroscopic knee surgery is minimally invasive, it has become an increasingly popular choice compared to traditional surgical methods.
Listed below are just a few of the advantages of arthroscopic knee surgery:
o Faster Surgery
The process only takes roughly an hour, while other surgical methods may need you to block off an entire day for both the operation and recovery. You won’t even have to stay in the hospital for too long after the surgery.
Usually, arthroscopic knee surgeries only use local anesthesia. However, certain cases may still require the use of general or regional anesthesia.
o Shorter Recovery Period
Arthroscopic knee surgery also has a relatively faster recovery period. After a few days, you can already go back to work. You may also begin driving within one to three weeks after the procedure, albeit you should wait a few weeks before going back to strenuous activities like running.
o Smaller Incisions
Your doctor will only make one to two small incisions in your knee’s front end. These incisions are small enough to look like tiny buttonholes. Because they’re smaller, they involve less bleeding, and you’re less likely to develop blood clots or infections.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota
At The Bone and Joint Center, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons pride themselves on their expertise in arthroscopic knee surgery and other types of innovative treatment modalities to address the full range of orthopedic injuries and conditions.
To request an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, fill out our online forms or call us at (701) 946-7400.