KNEE PROCEDURES
ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY
Knee arthroscopy allows an orthopaedic surgeon to view and examine the knee joint without making a large incision. It involves the use of a tiny camera called an arthroscope; Dr Nell is able to view the knee joint and diagnose or treat knee pain. Arthroscopic knee surgery is popular and offers a short recovery time. The procedure normally takes less than one hour.
When is an arthroscopic knee surgery indicated?
Arthroscopic knee surgery may be indicated if you have a painful condition that is not responding to conservative treatment. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) and medications or injections that are prescribed to help reduce inflammation. Knee arthroscopy may also be indicated to examine the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues in your knee.
This procedure is used to diagnose several types of knee injuries, which may affect the ligaments and cartilage in your knee joint. Arthroscopic knee surgery may also be used to repair injured soft tissues and bones, as well as remove damaged or inflamed tissue. Knee injuries are common among athletes, including adolescents and may occur due to contact sports and those that involve jumping, such as netball. The most common knee injuries that may be treated with arthroscopic knee surgery include:
- Soft tissue injuries - These are injuries of the ligaments and tendons such as torn meniscus, patellar tendonitis, anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL tear) and tears of the medial collateral ligament (MCL tear).
- Bone fractures
- Inflammation
What does an arthroscopic knee surgery entail?
During the procedure, Dr Nell will clean your leg and secure your knee in a stabilising device to keep your knee in a proper position throughout the procedure. He will make a small incision in your knee and inserts an arthroscope in it to examine the knee joint. The orthopaedic surgeon will then make a diagnosis and treat cartilage as well joint surface defects at the same time.
Another incision may be made, where tiny instruments will be passed through to either repair or remove inflamed or damaged ligaments, bone or cartilage. After the procedure, the incisions will be stitched closed.
