Knee Arthroscopy

If non-surgical treatments have not provided improvement to your knee problems, you may benefit from arthroscopic surgery of the knee. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be used to remove loose bodies, repair torn or damaged cartilage, meniscus tears, reconstruct torn ligaments, and occasionally correct damage from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis.

What is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Knee arthroscopy is a procedure in which the joint is viewed using a small camera. During arthroscopic knee surgery, general or local anesthesia is administered, and small incisions are made, allowing a thin optical device with a camera to be inserted into the knee. Sterile saline fluid is pumped into the knee joint so the surgeon can gain a clear view inside the knee capsule. The camera allows an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat knee disorders and, via knee scope surgery, correct a vast array of joint problems.

Types of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Some of the leading-edge arthroscopic knee surgeries performed at Hoag Orthopedic include the following:

• Meniscus repair and resection: The menisci are two areas of C-shaped cartilage that help maintain the stability of the knee joint. A meniscus tear may occur when the knee joint is bent, and the knee is then twisted. Your surgeon will perform a meniscus repair to place the edges together with sutures or tacks.
• Partial meniscectomy: If the tear is in the central portion of the meniscus, part of the meniscus may be removed to restore function and alleviate pain with arthroscopic knee surgery.
• Misaligned patella: For patients with a misaligned kneecap, arthroscopic surgery can realign the patella to restore proper knee function and reduce pain.
• Removal of loose cartilage: If pieces of cartilage tear and become loose in the knee joint, knee scope surgery can remove them to prevent further joint damage.
• Torn ligament reconstruction: In cases of torn ligaments, healthy tendon tissue is used to reconstruct the damaged ligament, restoring knee stability.

The Knee Arthroscopy Procedure: What to Expect

Prior to knee arthroscopy, your surgeon may order blood and other tests. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that you take, as well as any supplements. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs or supplements before your knee arthroscopy procedure.

At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, arthroscopic knee surgery is done on an outpatient basis, often in one of our accredited surgery center settings. During and after your knee arthroscopic surgery, the focus of the entire Hoag Orthopedic team will be on safety and pain management to ensure your optimal outcome.

Knee Arthroscopy Recovery and Rehabilitation

Knee arthroscopy recovery is usually relatively fast due to the small incisions made during this minimally invasive procedure. As a result, recovery time is quicker and has few side effects. You should be able to return to walking, yard work and other light activities one week after having knee arthroscopy.

During knee arthroscopy recovery, make sure to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute For Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers the expertise and experience of sub-specialty trained orthopedic surgeons covering knee replacement and reconstruction, arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage disorders and restoration.

We offer comprehensive care for all types of knee conditions, and the U.S. News & World Report named Hoag Orthopedic Institute to its Best Hospitals List, ranking it "High Performing" for Knee Replacements in 2024-2025.

If you are dealing with moderate to severe knee pain, schedule a consultation today by calling 949-705-6493.

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