Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a procedure where a very fine telescope is introduced into the knee joint to visualize different structures in side the joint, assess there integrity, pick-up any pathology and at the same time use very specialized and sophisticated  instruments to address the pathology by making two small puncture wounds of 4mm on each side of the knee.

Knee joint is a very frequently arthroscpied joint as it is a very superficial joint most amenable to scopy as it has large volume. By using different kinds (different degrees telescope) one can visualize almost 98% of joint structure. This allows arthroscopic surgeon to deal with 90% of joint problem arthroscopically   or arthroscopically assisted. The results of the knee arthrocopy if performed correctly by a specialist is better than open surgery. This is because there are some areas  of the knee(back part) the balls of the thigh bone, back portion of the cartilage which are not easily accessible  by open procedure but knee arthroscopy is able to show it very clearly and the specially design arthroscopic instrument are able to address the problem very elegantly without disturbing or harming  surrounding structures.

The most common problem in the knee is clicking of the knee which is due to cartilage (meniscus tear) which causes clicking, locking, and giving away are addressed in totality by knee arthroscopy. Knee Arthroscopy is the only modality that allows surgeon to preserve the meniscus by suturing the torn part with the help of specialized arthroscopic instruments which even allow excess to deep part of meniscus.

Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL or PCL) is next most common pathology which traditionally was repair by open method with big scars and extended rehab which leads to lot of time loss, loss of work and productivity. With Knee arthroscopy the  ACL/PCL can be repair with minimal interference, very small and cosmetic scar with quick rehab to pre injury state.

The other pathology of the knee which are successfully dealt with knee arthroscopy are loose body removal, patellar misalignment, synovial hypertrophy, septic arthritis, plica, osteochondral defect, patellar ligament injury, meniscal cyst etc.

Patient usually are in the hospital for day care i.e. one day and are discharge home, full weight bearing or partial weight bearing on crutches on the same day of surgery. For most pathology one can resume light office desk job duties by 3rd day and most of the other jobs by 10th- 14th day. Some time, especially in ligament injury a supportive  brace is worn on knee for initial period of 6-8 weeks. The rehab plan is tailored for patient selection and generally is vary home based regimen. Stitches are removed (if at all they are put) by 10th day. Full rehab to pre injury level is achieved by focused physiotherapy.