Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a medical procedure that involves using a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, to diagnose and treat problems located in or around the knee joint. A small incision will be made near the knee, then the arthroscope will be inserted. The inside of the knee will be displayed on a screen and the surgeon can then inspect the knee for any issues. If issues are found, the surgeon can use very small instruments that are located within the arthroscope to fix the issue.

DO YOU NEED A KNEE ARTHROSCOPY PROCEDURE?

Physicians may recommend a knee arthroscopy for a number of reasons. If a physician has already diagnosed your knee problem and can correct it with knee arthroscopy they may do so. Knee arthroscopy is very accurate and is less invasive than other procedures, which makes arthroscopy a surgery with less risk associated with it. If all other options have been exhausted, physicians may recommend a knee arthroscopy to help diagnose a knee injury. Then the physician can often make the necessary corrections to the knee while the arthroscope is already in the knee. Below are some conditions that can be diagnosed and treated with a knee arthroscopy.

• Torn meniscus
• Torn cruciate ligaments
• Torn cartilage in the joint
• Knee bone fractures
• Swollen knee lining
• Abnormal patella position

BENEFITS

The benefits of knee arthroscopy over traditional knee surgery are apparent. Arthroscopy is significantly less invasive with only small incisions and very minimal scarring. Arthroscopy is also a very precise and accurate surgical procedure because of the ability to see clearly inside the knee joint and use very small instruments for precise corrections. This procedure can also significantly improve the function and decrease pain in the knee.

RISKS

As with any surgery there are risks. Knee arthroscopy cuts down on the occurrence of these risks significantly, however, there are rare cases where some of these problems can occur.

• Bleeding during the surgery
• Anesthesia side effects
• Bleeding within the knee joint
• Infections near incisions or inside the joint
• Blood clots in the leg
• Injury to other structures or nerves within the knee

Knee arthroscopy can provide knee pain relief and function improvement that you desire. At Kernodle Clinic, we provide orthopedic and sports medicine services to patients in Burlington, NC and surrounding areas. Contact us  at 336-538-2370 for more information and to see if knee arthroscopy is the right option for you.