Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
OVERVIEW
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure that involves the use of a bendable tube (arthroscope) with a light and camera attached at the end to view and treat the inside of the joint.
The following procedures may be done under knee arthroscopy:
- Meniscal cartilage trimming & repair
is done to treat damaged or torn knee cartilage. Meniscus arthroscopic surgery aims to preserve and restore healthy meniscus tissue and mitigate potential risks such as increased pressure on the articular cartilage - Loose body removal
utilises a specially designed suction cup to remove loose bone spurs or cartilage fragments. Smaller incisions made over the joint enable a faster recovery with a reduced risk of complications. The arthroscope, which is a tube-like device with a camera attached, allows the orthopaedic surgeon to visualise the area in greater detail. - Removal of growths
growths can be done through arthroscopic surgery, which entails removing benign tumours or lesions around the knee. However, before surgical excision is carried out, Dr Vardi will perform a systematic evaluation preoperatively. - A synovial biopsy
is essential in the diagnosis of gout, bacterial infections or other related conditions. A tiny cut is created over the knee where a trocar is placed through the incision. Then, a camera and light at the tip of the scope are used to view the interior of the joint. Afterwards, a biopsy grasper is passed through the trocar and is used to excise a portion of tissue. Finally, the instruments are removed, a bandage is applied, and the sample is sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Procedure
Several tiny incisions (3-4) are made over the knee joint, and saline is pumped into the knee to enlarge the area. Next, a lighted scope is placed through one of the incisions, and the camera at the tip of the scope transfers images of the operative site to a monitor in the doctor's room. Dr Vardi uses the other openings over the knee to insert smaller surgical equipment in order to remove loose bodies and repair damage to the knee.
At the end of the procedure, Dr Vardi drains the excess saline from the joint and seals the incisions with sutures. He then covers the area using a dressing. The images taken during the procedure should clarify what was done and give you a better idea of your condition.