Do you have damage to the cartilage and soft tissue surrounding your knee joint? If you do, you might need a knee arthroscopy. While this surgical technique may seem daunting, our NYC top arthroscopic knee surgeon at Dines Orthopedics will perform this procedure smoothly and effectively.
What is a Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows a doctor to diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. An NYC top arthroscopic knee surgeon will insert a tiny camera through a small incision into the knee during this procedure. This camera is called an arthroscope, and it allows the doctor to see inside the joint on a screen. Next, they will identify any problems and correct the issue using small instruments within the arthroscope.
Why Do I Need Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopies cannot treat all causes of knee pain. However, a doctor might recommend that you undergo a knee arthroscopy if you have pain so that they can find a diagnosis of what is causing you pain. A few of the reasons it may be necessary to perform an arthroscopic knee surgery include:
- Torn Cartilage/Meniscus Surgery: This involves the removal of a port of the meniscus cartilage from the knee. If the meniscus tear is smaller, your surgeon will be able to trim the meniscus using small instruments through your incision. This can help relieve the symptoms of a torn meniscus.
- Meniscus Repair: If your meniscus is damaged, a repair can restore the normal anatomy of the knee. However, this is a more significant surgery, so the recovery will be longer.
- ACL Reconstruction: The ACL is one of the major ligaments in your knee that is very important for knee stability. Many people who tear their ACL get surgery, and a majority of the surgery is performed arthroscopically.
- Microfracture: This is a
treatment that is used to stimulate the growth of new cartilage in an area where cartilage has been damaged. This procedure is more complicated and involves the other layer of the bone, which is penetrated to expose the inner layers of the bone where bone marrow cells are. These cells access the damaged area and fill in the gap of the cartilage. - Cartilage Transfer: This involves moving cartilage from healthy parts of the joint to damaged parts. Small pieces of cartilage are taken from areas of the joint where the cartilage surface is not needed. It is then transferred into areas where cartilage is damaged.
Performing Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Before your knee arthroscopy, your doctor will give you either general, regional, or local anesthesia. The general anesthesia puts you completely to sleep, the regional numbs you from the waist down, and the local numbs the knee only. The doctor then makes small incisions in specific locations. Through one incision, a camera is placed into the joint. Through the other incision, small instruments are placed into the joint. The length of the procedure depends on what your NYC top arthroscopic knee surgeon needs to accomplish. Once the procedure is done, and the doctor has identified the cause of your knee pain, your knee is wrapped in a soft bandage.
Recovery From Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Since this surgery is not very invasive, you will likely go home the same day. You should ice your knee after surgery and keep the bandage on to reduce the swelling and minimize the pain. You will likely need to see your NYC top arthroscopic knee surgeon for a follow-up a few days after surgery. Another way to help heal faster is by attending physical therapy to restore full range of motion and strengthen your muscles.
Contact Our NYC Top Arthroscopic Knee Surgeon
At Dines Orthopedics, we have NYC top arthroscopic knee surgeon who will be able to get you back to living pain-free. If you have knee pain, you might need a knee arthroscopy. To find out, contact our office today!