Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Knee scope - arthroscopic lateral retinacular release; Synovectomy; Patellar debridementDefinition Return to top
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera is used to examine tissues inside the knee joint. Additional instruments may be inserted to repair the knee.
Description Return to top
Arthroscopic surgery on the knee involves inserting a small camera, less than 1/4 inch in diameter, into the knee joint through a small incision. The camera is attached to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to see inside the knee. In some facilities, the patient can choose to watch the surgery on the monitor as well.
For a simple surgical procedure, a local or regional pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is given to numb the affected area. You will remain awake and able to respond. For more extensive surgery, general anesthesia may be used. In this case you will be unconscious and pain-free.
After the camera is inserted, salt water (saline) is pumped in under pressure to expand the joint and help control bleeding. Some surgeons also use a tourniquet to prevent bleeding.
After looking around the entire knee for problem areas, the surgeon will usually make 1-4 additional small surgical cuts to insert other instruments. Commonly used instruments include:
A heat probe may also be used to remove inflammation (synovitis) in the joint.
At the end of the surgery, the saline is drained from the knee. The incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor to allow the patient to see what was done.
Why the Procedure is Performed Return to top
Arthroscopy may be recommended for knee problems, such as:
Risks Return to top
The risks for any anesthesia are:
The risks for any surgery are:
Additional risks include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Use of arthroscopy has reduced the need to surgically open the knee joint. This has resulted in:
Expectations vary depending on the cause for the surgery.
Surgery done for a meniscal tear or loose bodies with no other problems (like arthritis) is usually uncomplicated. Most patients can expect a full recovery.
Having arthritis dramatically reduces the effectiveness of arthroscopy. Up to half of patients may not improve after surgery.
Arthroscopic removal of the synovium (arthroscopic synovectomy) can be of great benefit to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthroscopic or arthroscopic-assisted surgery to repair the meniscus or reconstruct ligaments in the knee is much more complicated, with a long recovery and varied results.
Recovery Return to top
For a simple meniscal cleaning (debridement), recovery is usually fast. You may need to use crutches for a while to reduce weight placed on the knee joint and to control pain. You can manage pain with medications.
For more complicated procedures where anything is fixed or reconstructed, you may not be able to walk on the knee for several weeks. Recovery may be anywhere from several months to a year.
Update Date: 5/5/2008 Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |