Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to both diagnose and treat common knee conditions.

Location: 1301 W 12th Ave, Suite 105, Emporia, KS, Entrance B

Phone: (620) 343-2376

Fax: (620) 342-0095

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am–12pm and 1pm–4:30pm

How is knee arthroscopy performed?

Knee arthroscopy uses a tiny camera to look inside your knee through a small incision. The camera allows the surgeon to diagnose knee issues or injuries. Small surgical tools may also be inserted into your knee through additional small cuts to repair damaged bone or tissues.

The surgery is generally done in the following way:

You'll receive either local, regional, spinal, or general anesthesia depending on your individual surgical plan.
A cuff-like device may be put around your thigh to help control bleeding during the procedure.
The surgeon will make 2 or 3 small cuts around your knee. Fluid (saline) will be pumped into your knee to inflate the knee.
A narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end will be inserted through one of the cuts. The camera is attached to a video monitor that lets the surgeon see inside the knee.
The surgeon may put other small surgery tools inside your knee through the other cuts to fix or remove problems.
At the end of your surgery, the saline will be drained from your knee. The surgeon will close your cuts with sutures (stitches) and cover them with a dressing. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor. You may be able to view these pictures after the operation so that you can see what was done.

Why is the procedure performed?

Arthroscopy may be recommended for these knee problems:

Torn meniscus. Meniscus is cartilage that cushions the space between the bones in the knee. Surgery is done to repair or remove it.
Torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Swollen (inflamed) or damaged lining of the joint. This lining is called the synovium.
Kneecap (patella) that is out of position (misalignment).
Small pieces of broken cartilage in the knee joint.
Removal of a Baker cyst. This is a swelling behind the knee that is filled with fluid. Sometimes the problem occurs when there is swelling and pain (inflammation) from other causes, like arthritis.
Repair of defect in cartilage.
Some fractures of the bones of the knee.

What to expect before, during, and after knee arthroscopy?

Before surgery

Always tell your health care provider what medicines you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

You may be told to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other blood thinners.
Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
Tell your provider if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol (more than 1 or 2 drinks a day).
If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your provider for help. Smoking can slow down wound and bone healing. It also leads to a higher rate of surgical complications.
Always let your provider know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you have before your surgery.

On the day of your surgery

After the procedure

Outlook

Full recovery after arthroscopic knee surgery will depend on what type of problem was treated.

Problems such as a torn meniscus, broken cartilage, Baker cyst, and problems with the synovium are often easily fixed. Many people stay active after these surgeries.

Recovery from simple procedures is fast in most cases. You may need to use crutches for a while after some types of surgery. Your provider may also prescribe pain medicine.

Recovery will take longer if you have had a more complex procedure. If parts of your knee have been repaired or rebuilt, you may not be able to walk without crutches or a knee brace for several weeks. Full recovery may take several months to a year.

If you also have arthritis in your knee, you will still have arthritis symptoms after surgery to repair other damage to your knee.