Health A-Z

Arthroscopy, specifically knee arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions. Here's an overview of symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing related to knee arthroscopy.

1. Pain: Persistent or sharp pain in the knee joint, which may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
2. Swelling: Swelling or inflammation around the knee joint, which may be accompanied by warmth or redness.
3. Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee joint, which may limit range of motion.
4. Instability: Feeling of instability or giving way in the knee, particularly during physical activity or while walking on uneven surfaces.
5. Clicking or popping: Audible sounds or sensations of clicking, popping, or grinding within the knee joint, especially during movement.
6. Locking: Inability to fully extend or flex the knee due to a mechanical blockage within the joint, such as a loose body or torn cartilage.

1. Conservative management: Mild knee conditions or injuries may be managed with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE protocol), physical therapy, and pain medications.
2. Knee arthroscopy: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the knee condition requires surgical intervention, knee arthroscopy may be recommended. Common arthroscopic procedures include:
   • Meniscectomy: Removal of torn or damaged meniscal cartilage.
   • Meniscal repair: Surgical repair of torn meniscal cartilage using sutures or anchors.
   • ACL reconstruction: Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using a graft.
   • Chondroplasty: Smoothing or removal of damaged cartilage.
   • Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed or damaged synovial tissue.
3. Post-operative care: After knee arthroscopy, patients may require a period of rest, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function. Pain medications and ice therapy may be used to manage post-operative pain and swelling.
4. Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your progress, assess healing, and address any concerns or complications.

1. Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough examination of your knee, assessing range of motion, stability, strength, and tenderness.
2. Imaging studies: X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT scans may be performed to visualize the structures of the knee joint, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and to identify any abnormalities or injuries.
3. Diagnostic arthroscopy: In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or additional information is needed, a diagnostic arthroscopy may be performed. During this procedure, a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the knee and identify any abnormalities or injuries.