No one likes the idea of surgery, which is what makes arthroscopic surgery so appealing. This minimally-invasive technique allows orthopaedic surgeon Diane S. Litke to diagnose and correct problems in your knees without the downtime and risk associated with open surgery. To learn more, call L&W Orthopaedics in Richardson, Texas, or use theonline booking tool to schedule an appointment.
What is knee arthroscopy?
The origins of arthroscopic knee surgery go clear back to the early 1900s in Japan. It wasn’t until the introduction of fiber optics in the early 1970s, however, that the technique took off.
With arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Litke makes a small incision in your knee through which she inserts a small camera that relays images to a screen. From there, Dr. Litke inserts small, precision instruments through other tiny incisions and performs the work necessary, all the while benefiting from real-time video, which allows her to see what’s going on inside your knee.
What is knee arthroscopy used for?
Because of the visual component, Dr. Litke turns to arthroscopic surgery for both diagnosis and treatment. If your knee is bothering you and the cause isn’t readily clear on your diagnostic imaging, she is able to get a closer look using an arthroscopic camera.
Depending on what she finds, Dr. Litke is also able to correct the problem using arthroscopic instruments.
Typically, Dr. Litke uses knee arthroscopy to:
- Remove or repair your meniscus
- Reconstruct your anterior cruciate ligament
- Trim and remove damaged cartilage
- Fix problems in your kneecap
- Remove loose bone or ligament debris
- Remove inflamed synovial tissue
What are the advantages of knee arthroscopy?
There are many advantages of knee arthroscopy over traditional, open surgery, including:
- Less tissue damage because of the smaller incisions
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Less joint stiffness
- Less risk of infection
As if these advantages weren’t enough, Dr. Litke often performs knee arthroscopy using only local anesthesia. Of course, before you undergo the procedure, she discusses the degree to which you wish to be anesthetized.
Are there any risks with knee arthroscopy?
The primary goal behind knee arthroscopy is to cut down on the risks associated with an open surgery. That said, Dr. Litke still makes tiny incisions in your knee, which carry a small risk of becoming infected.
Dr. Litke provides you with comprehensive post-operative instructions to avoid any complications, but if you experience any of the following, call her office:
- Redness or swelling for more than a few days
- Fever
- Severe pain
If you would like to explore the options of knee arthroscopy, call L&W Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment using theonline booking tool.