Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy uses small instruments including a camera to visualize the internal knee structures. The surgeon is able to visualize structures on a large screen. Using small shavers, scissors, and other instruments, repair or removal of damaged structures is able to be completed.
Typically, 3 small incisions are used. This is a same-day procedure, done under general anesthesia. The patient is followed up in 1 week, for suture removal, and then begins a course of physical therapy for rehabilitation. This procedure is used to treat meniscal tears most commonly.
It may be used in conjunction with larger open procedures requiring reconstruction of ligaments, like ACL reconstructions. Typically, patients undergoing reconstruction of a longer recovery.