Knee arthroscopy – one procedure for many problems
Have you been told you have a bad knee? Sustain an injury? Are just getting “old”?
If surgery to your bum knee has been recommended, or if you think you may need something done for a troublesome “hinge,” knee arthroscopy may be just the ticket for you.

You’ve read before how the baby boomers are advancing in age in record numbers. This major influx into the “prime time” or “golden” years brings with it some real issue that we all will need to address at one time or another, one of which is the advancing age of our musculo-skeletal system.

One orthopedic surgical procedure that has, over the years, revolutionized the way knee problems are treated is arthroscopy. Now, that’s not to say only old people need knee surgery. Young people sustain sports-related injuries; auto accidents happen; knees get banged up at work; all of these scenarios can bring about the decision to treat the knee surgically.

Knee joint arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed for knee arthritis, and it has also substantially altered, for the better, the way many knee injuries are treated. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, well over 900,000 knee arthroscopy procedures were performed in 2006 alone. The number has risen to over 1 million annually since then.

What can arthroscopy treat?
Conditions that can be treated with arthroscopy include, arthritis, meniscus tear, ligament injuries, infection, synovitis (inflammation of the knee joint lining), kneecap tracking problems, and the list goes on. So, just what is arthroscopy (ar-thros-co-pee)?

This procedure, typically done on an outpatient basis, involves the introduction of a small diameter, fiber-optic lens into the knee joint through small stab-like incisions called “portals.” The lens is connected to a small camera capable of taking pictures and recording video. A high-intensity fiber-optic light cord is attached to the lens to adequately illuminate the inside of the joint.

The procedure is performed under an anesthetic, typically either a general or spinal anesthetic. A device called a pneumatic (air pressure) tourniquet is used to restrict blood flow to the knee during the procedure to allow the surgical team maximum visibility of the joint.

The joint is distended, or inflated, with a sterile solution to allow for safe introduction of the instruments, as well as provide good exposure of the internal structures. Various motorized tools can be used to trim irregular joint surfaces, remove loose fragments and even do intricate repairs of meniscus tears.

When the procedure is completed, the fluid is removed from the joint, local anesthetic can then be injected, occasionally mixed with cortisone, the scope and camera are removed and the small stab wounds are closed, with sutures, steri-strips or both.

The knee is covered with a sterile bulky dressing, consisting of sterile gauze pads, cotton rolls and an elastic bandage. Occasionally a cooling apparatus is placed over the knee, which is typically an item you can take home to continue “icing” the knee after surgery.

Will I be able to walk after surgery?
Depending upon the nature of the problem and the type of procedure(s) performed, weight-bearing after surgery may be restricted, at least for a couple of days unless the surgery or problem dictates prolonged restrictions. Crutches or a walker are the usual assistive items used post-operatively in accordance with the surgeon’s recommendations. Physical therapy may or may not be recommended as well.

As popular and widely used as knee arthroscopy is, it doesn’t come without risks. Potential risks and complications can include infection, blood clots in the lower leg (also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVTs), hemarthrosis or a collection of blood in the joint or prolonged stiffness.

Knee arthroscopy is a relatively quick, minimally invasive way to treat a wide variety of problems and as far as surgeries go, a rather safe procedure to undergo provided your individual health doesn’t add potential risk factors into the mix.

With the number of knee problems increasing due to the aging process, and ever-improving surgical techniques to treat knee injuries, we’ll likely be seeing more and more of this procedure.

For more information, visit http://www.bone-and-joint-pain.com/knee-arthroscopy-surgery.html.

Fun Fact: Like a fingerprint, each person has a unique “tongue-print.”

Chisholm’s expertise in nursing, orthopedics and surgery spans more than 30 years. For more information on orthopedic-related topics, visit www.bone-and-joint-pain.com. Submit questions or comments to Ken at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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