About Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
Knee arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera to look inside your knee. Small cuts are made to insert the camera and small surgical tools into your knee for the procedure. Knee arthroscopy is surgery that is done to check for problems, using a tiny camera to see inside your knee.
Factors to Consider Knee Anthroscopy Surgery:
- Do you have a persistent knee pain and swelling?
- Are you unable to move your knee through its full range of motion?
- Is there the feeling of your knee locking or catching?
- Do you have the feeling that your knee is giving way or unable to support you?
- Have you had an acute trauma to the knee while playing?
Meniscal Injuries:
Acute meniscal injuries occur when the knee is suddenly twisted and forced forward into a bent position whilst the foot is still in contact with the floor. A portion of the meniscus can be torn by this combination of twisting and compression forces on the knee. These injuries are seen commonly in sports that involve twisting and turning, for example racket sports or football. The surgical procedure performed will depend upon what the surgeon finds during the operation.
Meniscus debridement
The procedure to carefully remove a damaged portion of the meniscus is called meniscus debridement (partial meniscectomy). The surgeon starts by inserting the arthroscope into one of the portals. A probe is placed into another portal. The surgeon watches on a screen while probing the meniscus. All parts of the inside of the knee joint are examined. When a meniscal tear is found the surgeon determines the type and location of the tear. Surgical instruments are placed into another portal and are used to remove the torn portion of meniscus. When the problem part of the meniscus has been removed the surgeon checks the knee again with the probe to be sure no other tears are present. A small motorized cutter (shaver) is used to trim and shape the cut edge of the meniscus. The joint is flushed with sterile saline to wash away debris from the injury or from the surgery. The portals are closed with sutures.
Meniscus Repair
Using the arthroscope and a probe, the surgeon locates the tear. The probe is used to push the torn edges of the meniscus together. A small rasp or shaver is used to roughen the edges of the tear. Then a hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through one of the portals. The surgeon threads a suture through the cannula and into the knee joint. The suture is sewn into the two edges of the tear. The surgeon tugs on the thread to bring the torn edges close together. The suture is secured by tying two to three knots. Additional sutures are placed side by side until the entire tear is fixed.
ACL injuries
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is most commonly injured during a twisting injury to the knee when the foot is planted on the ground. This can occur during such sports as football, soccer, basketball, or skiing. It can also be injured during a direct blow to the knee or with hyperflexion or extension of the knee.
ACL reconstruction
Since the ACL does not heal, the ligament needs to be replaced (reconstructed). The ACL is reconstructed using arthroscopic techniques. The arthroscope is placed into the knee joint through a small incision. A camera is used and the image is viewed on a TV monitor. The arthroscope allows evaluation of the entire knee joint. Small instruments are inserted through additional incisions so that the joint structures can be evaluated for any damage, any injury can be diagnosed, and damaged tissue can be repaired, reconstructed, or removed. In ACL reconstruction a replacement ligament (graft) is placed in the joint at the site of the old ACL and then fixed to the bones. In many cases, the ligament is attached with screws. The screws can be either metal, bioabsorbable screws (screws that dissolve in the body with time), or plastic. Although the ACL reconstruction is performed primarily with arthroscopy, a small open incision is needed to place the new ligament in the knee. Overall, ACL reconstruction is a highly successful operation. The advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation have led to a 95% success rate for achieving a stable knee following surgery.
After Surgery Benefits
- Improved function
- Reduction of pain and anxiety
- Have you heard a “pop” sound when you injured your knee?
- Lesser chances of early or premature wear and tear of knee
- Return to sports (recreational or professional)