Knee Arthroscopy

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed using an arthroscope, or viewing instrument, to diagnose and treat problems within the knee. It is a relatively safe procedure, and you will usually be discharged from the hospital on the same day of surgery.

Knee Anatomy

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints of the body. The lower end of the thighbone (femur) meets the upper end of the shinbone (tibia) at the knee joint. A small bone called the patella (knee cap) rests on a groove on the front of the femoral end.

The surfaces of these bones are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth and painless knee motion. Two C-shaped menisci are also present in between the femur and the tibia. Menisci act as shock absorbers, providing cushion to the joints.

The knee joint is held together by bands of tissue called ligaments, including the cruciate and collateral ligaments. Surrounding muscles are connected to the knee bones by tendons. The bones work together with the muscles and tendons to provide mobility to the knee joint. The whole knee joint is covered by a ligamentous capsule, which further stabilizes the joint. This ligamentous capsule is also lined with a synovial membrane that secretes fluid for lubrication.

Indications for Knee Arthroscopy

The knee joint is vulnerable to a variety of injuries. The most common knee problems where arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment are:

• Torn meniscus
• Torn or damaged cruciate ligament
• Torn pieces of articular cartilage

Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

Knee arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia.

• Your surgeon makes two small incisions around the knee.
• Next, a sterile solution is injected into the knee to provide a clear view and more room for your surgeon to work.
• An arthroscope, a narrow tube with a tiny video camera, is inserted to view the knee joint. The structures inside the knee are visible to your surgeon on a monitor in the operating room.
• Your surgeon first examines the structures inside the knee joint to assess the cause of the problem.
• Once a diagnosis is made, surgical instruments such as scissors or motorized shavers are inserted, and the repair is performed

The repair procedure may include any of the following:

• Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
• Reconstruction or repair of a torn cruciate ligament
• Removal of small torn pieces of articular cartilage
• Removal of loose fragments of bones
• Removal of inflamed synovial tissue

After the repair, the saline is drained from the knee joint. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the knee is covered with a sterile dressing.

Postoperative Care Following Knee Arthroscopy

You are most often discharged on the same day of your knee arthroscopy. Pain medicines are prescribed to manage discomfort. Crutches may be recommended for several weeks. A rehabilitation program may also be advised for a successful recovery.

Recovery after Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery after the surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Recovery from simple procedures is often fast. Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than that from an open knee surgery.

Risks and Complications of Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure with only rare complications. Complications specific to knee arthroscopy include bleeding in the knee joint, infection, knee stiffness, blood clots or persistent knee problems.

If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about knee arthroscopy, please contact Joseph Mitchell, M.D., serving the communities of San Diego, La Jolla, East County, CA.