What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive form of orthopedic surgery that is used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries. During knee arthroscopy, Dr. Potts makes small incisions around the knee and inserts a small camera into the joint, known as an arthroscope. The camera sends live video to a monitor in the operating room where Dr. Potts can closely examine the joint without having to make large incisions. If a procedure is needed to fix the knee, special surgical instruments are inserted through the small incisions to perform the surgery.
What conditions are treated with knee arthroscopy?
In cases where conservative management fails to improve symptoms, Dr. Potts may suggest an arthroscopic knee procedure to address conditions such as:
- Meniscus tears
- Ligament injuries (ACL or PCL)
- Articular cartilage defects
- Patella (kneecap) problems
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Certain fractures within the knee joint
How do I know if I need knee arthroscopy?
When a patient doesn’t respond to conservative treatments including rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections, your doctor may recommend surgery with minimally invasive knee arthroscopy. Dr. Potts is a talented orthopedic surgeon, but only advises surgery when it is the best possible treatment option for a patient.
What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?
There are numerous advantages that minimally invasive knee arthroscopy offers in comparison to traditional open surgery:
- Less post-operative pain
- Lower risk of infection or complications
- Take significantly less time to complete (often only 30-60 minutes)
- Reduced risk of scar tissue formation following surgery
- Quicker recovery and better overall patient outcomes
Knee arthroscopy is an effective procedure for diagnosing joint conditions and treating common knee conditions such as meniscus tears or ACL injuries. It can ultimately provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility with a quicker overall recovery.
