about the procedure

what is arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery?

The diagnosis and treatment of knee jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones. problems have improved greatly since a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy was developed. Arthroscopy allows a surgeon to see inside the knee and to carry out procedures through tiny incisions.

Arthroscopic surgery can be used to diagnose and treat knee injuries. This minimally invasive approach to surgery can help speed recovery, reduce painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe... and minimize scarring, when compared with traditional "open" surgery.

how does arthroscopy work?

Arthroscopy uses a device called an arthroscope. This tiny, pen-shaped instrument has a micro video camera attached to the end. The arthroscope is inserted through a tiny incision in the knee. The camera relays images to a computer screen. Surgeons can use the images to diagnose the jointjointThe junction between the ends of two adjacent bones. problem and to carry out appropriate surgery.

During the surgery, several tiny incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments. First, the surgeon uses the arthroscope to view the knee and evaluate the bones, tendonstendonsFibrous bands, one at each end of a muscle, that connect the muscle to bones., and ligaments. Then the surgeon uses small instruments to make necessary repairs.

what can arthroscopic surgery treat?

Orthopaedic surgeons can use arthroscopic surgery to perform a variety of procedures, including: The removal of small bits of boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... or cartilagecartilageThe hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion ..., the repair or remove torn tendons, the removal of inflamed synoviumsynoviumThe inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. (the membrane that lines the cavity of a synovial jointsynovial jointA synovial joint, such as the knee or elbow, is a structure that allows movement between two bones. In a synov... and produces synovial fluidsynovial fluidA lubricating fluid resembling the white of an egg, secreted by certain membranes, as those of the joints; als...) and the removal inflamed bursae.

what are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

There are potential benefits of arthroscopic surgery when compared with traditional "open" surgery. With arthroscopic surgery, it's more likely that patients will have less pain following the procedure, experience a lower risk of complications, stay in the hospital for a shorter period of time or have the procedure performed as an out-patient surgery. Patients may also have a quicker recover and experience less scarring.

what are the risks of arthroscopic surgery?

All surgery has risks. A patient’s orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with his or her procedure and recovery. The risks of orthopaedic surgery depend on the patient’s health before surgery and the type of surgery performed. In addition, a patient’s anesthesiologist will discuss the risk associated with the use of anesthesiaanesthesiaA process used before surgery or other medical procedures that induces partial or complete loss of sensation. ... during his or her procedure.