A knee arthroscopy is a surgical orthopedic procedure that allows a Manhattan knee specialist to view your knee joint without having to make a large surgical incision through your skin and soft tissues. A knee arthroscopy surgery is used to diagnose and treat a multitude of knee injuries ranging from a torn meniscus to infection and more!
Learn everything you need to know about a knee arthroscopy from a top Manhattan knee specialist:
When is a Knee Arthroscopy Recommended?
A knee arthroscopy is recommended for an assortment of different knee-related issues, including the following:
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
- Treatment of patella problems
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- A Plica resection
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament
- Treatment of knee sepsis
- An Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
What to Expect from a Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
Before
Before your procedure, we always recommend letting your doctor know if you’re taking any medications, as well as any supplements or vitamins you may have bought over the counter. This ensures that nothing you are currently taking will cause complications during or after surgery.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend preoperative tests, especially if you have any known health risks. This may include blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Most knee arthroscopy procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you will not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
Lastly, you have the option of being under local, regional, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs just your knee, regional anesthesia numbs below your waist, and general anesthesia puts you to sleep fully. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you prior to your procedure.
During
When you come in for your knee arthroscopy procedure, the surgeon will insert an arthroscope which is a small camera, into the joint of your knee. That camera will show your surgeon images on a video monitor, which they will in turn use to guide their surgical instruments. With the surgical instruments being smaller on an arthroscope than a normal knee surgery, the doctor is able to make much smaller incisions than if it was traditional knee surgery. This is great for the patient because it causes less pain and stiffness and can shorten the recovery time.
After
Once the procedure is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will rest for 1 to 2 hours before going home. You’ll need someone to drive you home from your procedure, so plan accordingly. While recovery from a knee arthroscopy is much faster than general knee surgery, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.
What are the Risks Associated with Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy procedure is considered a low-risk surgical procedure with a very low complication rate. That being said, there are a few complications that can occur during a knee arthroscopy which include infection, blood clots, knee stiffness, and accumulation of blood in the knee. Complications from a knee arthroscopy are usually minor and easily treatable.
Request an Appointment with a Manhattan Knee Specialist
If you’ve recently suffered a knee injury or have been living with knee pain for an extended period of time, make an appointment with a Manhattan Knee Specialist at OrthoManhattan! Our practice boasts one of New York’s top knee doctors, Dr. Adam Cohen, and he’s passionate about providing the highest level of care possible. To make an appointment, contact our office during business hours or submit a contact form in the top right corner of the page.