Knee Arthroscopy
Alternate Names : Diagnostic Knee Arthroscopy, Arthroscopic Knee Exploration
Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose
and treat knee injuries. The surgeon examines the knee with an instrument
called an arthroscope. The arthroscope is a pencil-sized tube with a light
and camera attached to the end of it. It is inserted into a cut in the knee.
An image of the inside of the knee is then seen on a television screen.
The surgeon can view the entire knee joint, which may allow him
or her to repair certain injuries.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
Knee arthroscopy is used to diagnose the cause of pain,
swelling, tenderness, or weakness in a person's knee. It may be
recommended for a person with:
a torn knee cartilage
a damaged kneecap
a damaged ligament
an inflamed or damaged lining of the joint
How is the procedure performed?
Knee arthroscopy is usually done in a
same day surgery center.
This means the person can go home the same day as the procedure.
This procedure is done using general anesthesia
or local anesthesia.
Several small incisions are made in the knee. The surgeon inserts
the arthroscope through one of the incisions. Other instruments are
inserted through the other incisions. The surgeon can see the ligaments,
the cartilage, kneecap, and the lining of the joint. This allows him or her to
perform surgery to correct any damage. The small incisions will be closed
with stitches or small, sticky pieces of special tape.
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