Hip and Knee

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

Arthroscope

Normally, all parts of the knee work together in harmony, but sports activities, work injuries, arthritis or weakening of the tissues with age can cause wear and inflammation resulting in pain and diminished knee function. Today arthroscopy is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures and has become highly effective in both the accurate diagnosis and correct treatment of knee problems such as:

  • Torn meniscal cartilage
  • Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
  • Damaged joint surfaces or softening of the articlular cartilage known as chondromalacia
  • Inflammation of the synovial membrane, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Abnormal alignment or instability of the kneecap
  • Torn ligaments including the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments

Arthroscopy allows an orthopaedic surgeon to diagnose and treat knee disorders by providing a clear view of the inside of the knee.

THE PROCEDURE

A Knee arthroscopy is carried out by making small incisions utilising a pencil-sized instrument (the arthroscope) which transmits an image of the knee through a small camera to a television monitor. The surgeon is able to thoroughly investigate the interior of the knee, determine the source of the problem and to remove or repair damaged tissue.

Arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic as a day case, but is also on occasions carried out under local anaesthetic

FOLLOWING SURGERY

Strengthening exercises are carried out regularly for several weeks