Knee arthroscopy Health Article

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Knee scope - arthroscopic lateral retinacular release; Synovectomy; Patellar debridement

Description

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 blunt hook to pull on various tissues
• A burr to remove bone
• A shaver to remove damaged or unwanted soft tissues

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.

Indications

Arthroscopy may be recommended for knee problems, such as:

• A torn meniscus (either repair or remove)
• A torn or damaged anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament
• Inflamed or damaged lining of the joint (synovium)
• Mild arthritis
• Misalignment of the kneecap (patella)
• Small pieces of broken cartilage (loose bodies) in the knee joint

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks include:

• Bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis)
• Damage to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments in the knee
• Failure of the surgery to relieve symptoms
• Knee stiffness