Knee Arthroscopy
Your knees help support your weight and let your legs bend and move. Almost any movement that uses your legs relies on your knees — your knees help when you’re walking, running, and jumping. Neglecting a long-term knee injury increases the likelihood of developing degenerative conditions and causing irreversible joint damage. Conditions like osteoarthritis, characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, commonly result from untreated knee injuries. Other conditions such as chronic pain, increased risk of further injury, loss of functionality and mobility, degenerative conditions, and emotional distress are among the potential outcomes. Additionally, your surgery options may become more limited if you wait too long, and more significant damage may be caused to your knee, requiring more extensive treatment. It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and follow appropriate treatment strategies. The place to start and ensure the best outcome is the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
OVERVIEW
Knee arthroscopy is a very common minimally invasive surgical procedure. It is one of the most common orthopedic procedures worldwide, with millions performed annually due to its safety and effectiveness. Minimally invasive procedures require smaller incisions (cuts) than traditional surgery. The incisions are about the size of a keyhole. The aim is to confirm exactly what the problem is and for many people, the problem can be treated simultaneously. The benefit of keyhole surgery is less pain afterward and, for some people, a quicker recovery. Knee arthroscopy uses tiny incisions, typically less than a centimeter long, through which a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments are inserted. This reduces trauma to the surrounding tissues compared to open surgery. Arthroscopy can address various knee issues, including meniscus tears, cartilage damage, ligament injuries (e.g., ACL reconstruction), synovitis, and removal of loose bodies or bone spurs. Many athletes undergo knee arthroscopy to quickly diagnose and treat injuries, allowing them to return to sports sooner. High-profile athletes often rely on this procedure to stay competitive. The instruments used in knee arthroscopy are incredibly small but precise, enabling surgeons to perform complex tasks like stitching a torn meniscus or smoothing out cartilage. The arthroscope provides a magnified, high-definition view of the knee joint, allowing surgeons to see structures not visible during open surgery. The term “arthroscopy” comes from the Greek words: arthro (joint) and skopein (to look). It literally means “looking into the joint.” Some joint conditions are not visible on MRIs or X-rays, such as early cartilage wear or subtle meniscal tears. Arthroscopy provides a direct view, making it the gold standard for diagnosing certain knee problems.
ABOUT THE KNEE
The knee is the largest joint in the body. Three bones make up the knee joint:
- Femur: (thigh bone).
- Tibia: (shin bone).
- Patella: (kneecap)
The places these bones meet are called articulations or articulating surfaces. There are two articulations in your knee:
- Patellofemoral: Where your patella meets your femur.
- Tibiofemoral: Where your tibia meets your femur.
The knee is a synovial joint. Synovial joints have the most freedom to move. They’re made of a cavity in one bone that another bone fits into. Slippery hyaline cartilage covers the ends of bones that make up a synovial joint. A synovial membrane — a fluid-filled sac that lubricates and protects the joint — lines the space between the bones. This extra cushioning helps synovial joints move with as little friction as possible. Functionally, the knee is a hinge joint. The knee primarily allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening), similar to the motion of a hinge. The knee’s main function is to allow the leg to flex and extend, but it also helps with balance and stabilizing the body. The knee is essential for walking, running, jumping, and other bipedal movements. The knee is one of the most stressed joints in the body, receiving four times the amount of stress for every pound a person weighs. The knees also contain cartilage, like your meniscus and ligaments, including your LCL, MCL, ACL, and PCL.
WHAT IS KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a range of knee injuries. A surgeon makes a small incision and then inserts a long, thin tool with a camera on the end. The camera shows images of the inside of the knee, which helps the healthcare provider make a diagnosis of the injury. The images appear on a screen in the operating room. The surgeon may put other small surgery tools inside your knee through the other cuts. The surgeon will then fix or remove the problem in your knee.
Read more about Knee Arthroscopy on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.
