Knee Arthroscopy Specialist Questions and Answers

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems, from torn ligaments to damaged cartilage. It allows doctors to view the knee joint through a small incision in the skin and other soft tissues. During knee arthroscopy, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor which the surgeon uses to guide miniature surgical instruments. While open surgery requires large incisions, because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, surgeons can use very small incisions. This results in less pain and joint stiffness for patients, and often reduces the recovery time for returning to everyday activities.

Doctors that perform arthroscopic knee surgery are called orthopedic surgeons. These medical professionals are specialists in surgical procedures involving the musculoskeletal system and can use their expertise and experience to improve cases of chronic pain and other injuries that have not responded to other treatments.

Knee arthroscopy is an effective tool in diagnosing certain joint conditions as well as for determining treatment for knee problems, including cartilage wear and meniscus tears. The main purpose of arthroscopy is to provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility. A key benefit of this procedure is maintaining a normal and active lifestyle with greater comfort. Conditions treated with arthroscopy include:

-Loose bone fragments
-Damaged or torn cartilage
-Inflamed joint linings
-Torn ligaments
-Scarring within joints

Knee arthroscopy is not very invasive. Although the duration of arthroscopy depends on the specific procedure, for most people it takes less than an hour. Patients will likely go home on the same day for recovery; applying an ice pack to the knee may be recommended to help reduce swelling and minimize pain. Another way to reduce swelling and pain is to keep the recovering leg elevated. The orthopedic surgeon may provide aftercare instructions. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled a few days after the procedure.

There are many reasons why a person might need knee arthroscopy; it can diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries, including:

-torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
-torn meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)
-patella that is out of position (prolapsed)
-loose pieces of torn cartilage
-removal of a Baker’s cyst
-fractures in the knee bones
-swollen synovium (the lining in the joint)

These are the most common reasons why an individual may need arthroscopy; there are many more conditions that can also benefit from this procedure. At Southern Sports Medicine Institute, we are dedicated to providing you with all of your orthopedic needs. Call us today to book an appointment for knee arthroscopy, or visit one of our two locations: we have one clinic in Gallatin, TN, and one in Nashville, TN. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Cottontown TN, LaGuardo TN, Castalian Springs TN, and Graball TN.