KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee joint problems. It involves the use of a small camera, called an arthroscope, which is inserted through small incisions around the knee. This allows the orthopedic surgeon to visualize the inside of the knee and perform necessary interventions. Knee arthroscopy is commonly used for diagnostic purposes as well as for the treatment of various conditions.
Procedure
Anesthesia :- The patient is usually placed under general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Incisions :- Small incisions, typically about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in length, are made around the knee joint.
Arthroscopy :- An arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera on its end, is inserted through one of the incisions. The camera transmits real-time images of the inside of the knee joint to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess the condition of the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and other structures.
Treatment :- Based on the findings, the surgeon may use additional incisions to introduce specialized instruments. Common procedures during knee arthroscopy include:
- Meniscus Repair or Removal: Addressing tears or damage to the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Ligament Repair: Repairing or reconstructing torn ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Cartilage Debridement: Removing or smoothing damaged cartilage.
- Synovial Biopsy: Collecting a tissue sample for further analysis.
Closure: After the necessary repairs or adjustments are made, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
Indications for Knee Arthroscopy
Meniscus Tears :- Tears in the meniscus, commonly caused by twisting injuries.
Ligament Injuries :- Tears or instability in the ACL, PCL, or other ligaments.
Cartilage Damage :- Conditions like chondromalacia or focal cartilage defects.
Synovitis :- Inflammation of the synovial lining of the knee joint.
Loose Bodies :- Small fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint.
Advantages of Knee Arthroscopy
Minimally Invasive :- Small incisions result in less trauma to surrounding tissues.
Faster Recovery :- Patients often experience quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Diagnostic Accuracy :- The arthroscope provides a detailed view of the knee joint, aiding in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
