Knee Arthroscopy may be used to treat a variety of knee joint conditions.
- torn meniscus
- loose bodies in the joint
- torn or damaged anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL)
- inflamed or damaged synovium (the lining of the joint)
- malalignment of the patella (knee cap)
Through an incision the width of a straw tip, the surgeon is able to insert a scope, which allows him inspect your joint and locate the source of your pain. The scope can also help identify tears or other damage that may have been missed by an X-ray or MRI. Then the surgeon will make one or more small incisions to accommodate the instruments used to repair the knee. These instruments can shave, trim, cut, stitch, or smooth the damaged areas.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means no overnight hospital stay is required.