Knee Arthroscopy Specialist

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Samimi Orthopedic Group to examine the tissues inside your knee, diagnose injuries and diseases, and then perform surgery if needed to repair the problem.

The incision size marks the difference between minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery. For example, your provider makes several tiny incisions during knee arthroscopy, just large enough to insert pencil-sized instruments into the joint. By comparison, open surgery creates one long incision to expose the joint.

What happens during a knee arthroscopy?

After giving you anesthesia and making several tiny incisions, your provider inserts a thin arthroscope into the joint. The scope has a camera that sends magnified images to a monitor. 

Your provider uses the images to carefully examine the tissues, diagnose the problem, and determine the extent of your injuries. If you need surgery, they insert narrow surgical instruments through the other incisions.

What procedures are done during a knee arthroscopy?

Samimi Orthopedic Group can do most joint repairs using arthroscopic surgery. They may:

• Reconstruct torn ligaments
• Repair damaged tendons
• Remove or repair a torn meniscus
• Transplant cartilage
• Eliminate bone spurs
• Remove inflamed synovial tissue
• Remove loose bone or cartilage fragments
• Clean away infected tissues

Since minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma to the tissues, you have less post-surgery pain, minimal scarring, and faster healing and recovery (compared to open surgery).

What happens after knee arthroscopy?

In most cases, you go home the same day as your procedure. Before you leave, your provider monitors your health for a time and makes sure you can walk using an assistive device.

When you leave the clinic, you have specific instructions about caring for your knee. You also receive an exercise regimen to follow to start your recovery.

Your rehabilitation begins with gentle, slow movement and gradually progresses to exercises that rebuild muscle strength and restore the full range of motion.

Your provider may recommend physical therapy to help you regain optimal knee function, especially if you have had complex knee surgery or want to return to athletic activities.

It may take several months to completely rehabilitate a reconstructed ligament or repaired meniscus; however, you should get back to your usual activities in 6-8 weeks.

To learn how knee arthroscopy can ease your pain, call Samimi Orthopedic Group or schedule an appointment online today.