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Knee arthroscopy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy  - series
Knee arthroscopy - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Knee scope - arthroscopic lateral retinacular release; Synovectomy; Patellar (knee) debridement; Meniscus repair; Lateral release; Knee surgery

Definition    Return to top

Knee arthroscopy is surgery that is done to check for problems, using a tiny camera to see inside your knee. Other medical instruments may also be inserted to repair your knee.

Description    Return to top

Three different types of anesthesia (pain management) may be used for knee arthroscopy surgery:

A cuff-like device that inflates may be used around your thigh to help control bleeding during knee arthroscopy.

The surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions (cuts) around your knee. Saltwater (saline) will be pumped into your knee to open up the space.

A narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end will be inserted through one of the incisions. The camera is attached to a video monitor in the operating room. The surgeon looks at the monitor to see the inside of your knee. In some operating rooms, the patient can also watch the surgery on the monitor, if they want to.

The surgeon will look around your knee for problems. The surgeon may put other medical instruments inside your knee through the other small incisions. The surgeon will then repair or remove the problem in your knee.

At the end of your surgery, the saline will be drained from your knee. The surgeon will close your incisions with sutures (stitches) and cover them with a dressing. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor so that afterward you can see what was found and what was done.

See also: ACL reconstruction

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Arthroscopy may be recommended for these knee problems:

Risks    Return to top

The risks for any anesthesia are:

The risks for any surgery are:

Additional risks for this surgery include:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

After the surgery, you will have an ace bandage on your knee over the incision dressing. Most people go home the same day they have surgery. Your doctor will give you an exercise program to follow.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Whether or not you have a full recovery after knee arthroscopy depends on what type of problem was treated.

Problems such as a torn meniscus, broken cartilage, Baker's cyst, and problems with the synovium are usually fixed easily. Many patients remain active after these surgeries.

Recovery from simple procedures is usually fast. You may need to use crutches for a while so that you do not put weight on your knee and to control pain. This will depend on what kind of surgery you had. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medicine.

Recovering from more complicated procedures will take longer. When anything in your knee is repaired or rebuilt, you may not be able to walk without crutches or a knee brace for several weeks. Full recovery may take several months to a year.

If you also have arthritis in your knee, you will still have arthritis symptoms after surgery to repair other damage to your knee.

References    Return to top

Phillips BB. Arthroscopy of the lower extremity. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 48.

Update Date: 2/3/2009

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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