Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny incisions in the knee joint to remove damaged cartilage and bone. A small camera is inserted through the skin and joint capsule incisions to see inside the knee. Katy knee arthroscopy may be performed on one or both knees.
Here is how the procedure is performed and the conditions treated through knee arthroscopy.
How is knee arthroscopy performed?
Knee arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure involving a thin, small camera to view damaged structures and tissues inside your knee. The doctor makes a small incision in your knee, which may be on either side of the joint or just above the patellar tendon. The doctor will insert a telescope-like instrument through the incision to perform any required procedures.
The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient without requiring an overnight stay. It can be done under general anesthesia if you are at risk of bleeding or have significant medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. In some cases, you may need intravenous sedation if you are very anxious about the procedure.
Knee arthroscopy is used when it is felt that there are problems in one area of your knee joint that may benefit from treatment with surgery or other procedures.
Conditions treated through knee arthroscopy
The procedure can help diagnose and treat conditions the following conditions
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common medical conditions affecting people today. It can occur in any joint, but it is most commonly found in the knees and hips. The symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness, which can make everyday activities difficult to perform. If you are experiencing severe pain and want to find a solution for your condition, knee arthroscopy may be right for you.
2. Treat meniscal tears
Meniscal tears are among the most common injuries to the knee, and they can be devastating. The meniscus is a thick fibrous cartilage that helps support the knee. When it tears, it causes a lot of pain, swelling, and instability in the joint.
Knee arthroscopy offers an excellent solution for treating these types of injuries because it allows doctors to see inside the knee joint and repair or remove damaged tissue. Having frequent knee pain? Read up more about knee pain and its treatment in this article.
3. Cartilage damage
Knee arthroscopy surgery is a procedure that helps correct structural damage to the knee cartilage. This damage can lead to pain and stiffness in your knee. The procedure can repair or replace the damaged cartilage, which may include removing the damaged cartilage and replacing it with new material. The new material is then used to fill in any gaps in your knee joint, supporting your bones and muscles.
A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. The arthroscope is used to look inside the knee joint to see if there is any cartilage damage or inflammation. Knee arthroscopy procedures come with several benefits. For instance, it can eliminate the pain in your knee. Besides, it helps eliminate the damaged cartilage, which is the main cause of knee pain. It can also be done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home right after the procedure and resume your normal activities. If you want to know more about knee arthroscopy, contact Integrity Orthopedics professionals.