Patient Education: Medical Links

Knee Arthroscopy

Overview
Knee arthroscopy is true minimally invasive surgery. Usually the procedure is performed as an outpatient in the hospital, surgery outpatient center or even the office. The arthroscopy is the tool that is used to visualize the joint. The actual surgery is performed through secondary puncture holes. The arthroscopy is the tool used to perform many different procedures on the knee or other joints.

Our clinic was the first in the state of Kansas to provide arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructions. We are still on the leading edge and many of our techniques are not available in our area and elsewhere in the state.

Procedures
Some of the different knee problems that may require arthroscopic surgical treatment include; meniscus tears, kneecap subluxation, osteochondritis dessicans, fractures involving the joint, anterior cruciate ligament tears, loose bodies and others. Many of the different problems inside the knee can result in very similar symptoms therefore making the diagnosis difficult. The arthroscope can be very useful in giving direct visualization to the joint allowing the precise diagnosis to be made for obscure or longstanding knee pain. Not all diagnosis or knee problems can be surgically corrected even after the diagnosis is determined arthroscopically. Even in the situations where the diagnosis is made but cannot be specifically corrected by surgery the knowledge provided by the arthroscopic procedure will allow the appropriate medical and therapeutic protocols such as medications and physical therapy.

Risks Associated with Joint Replacement Surgery
The minimally invasive surgical exposures may be less traumatic than the conventional exposures, but the procedure is still a joint replacement. The complications are those that occur with any major surgical procedure and with joint replacements as a whole. As with any surgery or joint replacement even though serious complication are very low the more commonly seen include infection, swelling of the legs, blood clots, medication reactions, pneumonia or other cardiopulmonary problems. Complications can delay dismissal from the hospital and occasionally slow rehabilitation from the procedure.