[ a ] (Left) A large meniscal tear called a "flap" tear.
[ b ] (Right) Arthroscopic removal of the damaged meniscal tissue.
During Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, the surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and surgeons use these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.
Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, knee arthroscopy surgeons can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. This results in less pain for patients, less joint stiffness, and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favorite activities.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is commonly used to diagnose and treat problems that damage the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other structures around the joint.
The knee arthroscopy surgeon may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.
Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.
Removal or repair of a torn meniscus.
Reconstruction of a torn ACL anterior cruciate ligament.
Removal of inflamed synovial tissue.
Trimming of damaged articular cartilage.
Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage.
Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems.
Treatment of knee sepsis (infection).