Types of Procedures
The knee is a large joint in the body designed to hold the majority of the body's weight. The knee joint is the juncture of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). The joint itself is covered in cartilage to protect the bones and is held in place by four bands of connective tissue, called the anterior, posterior, lateral and medial cruciate ligaments. Several types of arthroscopic surgeries can be done on the knee. These procedures may be performed to remove damaged or torn cartilage and bone. Arthroscopic surgery can also repair torn ligaments or be used to remove tissue around the knee that has become inflamed.
Preparation
Because arthroscopic surgery involves the use of extremely small incisions, your surgeon will want to have as much information as possible about the problems with your knee. Typically your surgeon will first perform a thorough physical examination and will ask you questions about your knee problems. The surgeon will also ask when the symptoms started and what makes them worse or better. You will also receive an X-ray that will allow the surgeon to visualize the health and alignment of the bones. Often the surgeon will order another imaging test, called an MRI, which allows for the visualization of soft tissues, such as the cartilage and ligaments. This is done to identify the exact nature of your knee problems so that an informed decision can be made.
Surgery
Patients typically receive arthroscopic knee surgery on an outpatient basis, which means that they do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Once the patient has received anesthesia (either general anesthesia, which causes the patient to be unconscious, or local anesthesia, which will numb only the leg), the surgeon makes a small incision through which an arthroscope is inserted. The arthroscope is a small, flexible camera that displays an image of the inside of the knee on a monitor. The surgeon then makes another small incision and uses the image from the arthroscope to guide the surgery. Most procedures are finished after 45 to 90 minutes. After the procedure, the patient typically waits in the recovery room for one to two hours before going home.
