The 5 most common conditions treated with knee arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed with the help of a small television camera mounted on a flexible tube the size of a pencil. Known as an arthroscope, an illuminated lens is used as a diagnostic tool, as well as a means for a trained surgeon to perform necessary orthopedic repairs through an incision as small as a buttonhole. The camera, in effect, becomes the physician's "eyes", projecting a real-time view of the surgical area onto a monitor and allowing the surgeon to maneuver instruments appropriately without traditional open-site surgery.

It is a state-of-the-art surgical treatment due to the relative simplicity of the procedure, its generally short duration, and the faster recovery of the patient.

Modern arthroscopic procedures are commonly used on the knees, shoulders, wrists, and elbows to repair joint injuries and treat a variety of chronic diseases and conditions.

Broken meniscus

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee, made up of collagen fibers that run in opposite directions. Each knee has two meniscal pads that are shaped like crescents, surrounded by tendons and soft tissues. When the meniscus tears, the ability to easily repair the damage is highly dependent on the location and shape of the tear. Sometimes small tears heal without intervention; at other times, repair can be challenging, particularly when caused by degenerative conditions. Arthroscopic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of meniscus tear. Usually performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia, postoperative pain decreases, and patients can usually resume normal activity within a few weeks, although rehabilitation therapy is often part of the recovery process.

Removal of bone or cartilage fragments.

Arthroscopic surgery is often the treatment of choice to cleanse a joint of bone, cartilage, and tissue fragments that accumulate as a result of injury, inflammation, and tissue tears. With a trained orthopedic specialist, the procedure is straightforward. Free-floating debris in the joint area can lead to pain, swelling, and blockage.

Swollen synovium

The synovium is a membrane that works to lubricate and nourish the knee and shoulder joints. It creates synovial fluid, but the membrane itself is distinguished by irregular folds and can become painfully inflamed. When this happens, the surgeon can insert an arthroscope to help remove the tissue causing the pain and swelling. It is a minimally invasive procedure that promises quick relief and requires little recovery time.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear

During this procedure, the damaged part of the ligament is removed and replaced with tendon from another part of the patient's or donor's knee. According to the Mayo Clinic, the need for ACL reconstruction is commonly the result of repeated injuries due to participation in sports that require rapid starts, stops, and changes of direction, such as basketball or downhill slalom racing. Although less severe ACL injuries can sometimes be improved with physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery is the primary option for extremely active athletes and patients. The surgery itself is typically an outpatient procedure, and recovery is relatively quick.

Popliteal cyst

Sometimes known as Baker's cyst, this condition is characterized by fluid-filled lumps that appear on the back of the knee. Sometimes popliteal cysts go away with treatment of the underlying cause, which may include arthritis, damage to the surrounding cartilage, or other inflammation. However, similar inflammation can also be caused by a blood clot or tumor, so the doctor may order non-invasive imaging tests to determine the exact cause before considering surgery of any kind.

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