Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.
A small camera is inserted into the knee joint, which is also known as arthroscopy, and the surgeon gets a clear display of the knee. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments inside the knee joint for more precision.
As the arthroscope surgical instruments are very thin and hence very small incisions are made rather than large incision which leave a scar of the skin and does not looks good, which are needed for open surgery. This results in less pain for patients, less joint stiffness, and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favourite activities.
Knee arthroscopy is recommended when a patient has a painful condition that does not respond to non-surgical treatments. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.
Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. Common arthroscopic procedures for the knee include:
Generally people with good health conditions have knee procedures performed as an outpatient. This means you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital. Before your surgery, a member of the anaesthesia team will talk with you regarding the proceedings and dosage. Knee arthroscopy can be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia. Your orthopaedic surgeon and your anaesthesiologist will talk to you about which method is best for you.