Benefits Of Knee Arthroscopy: Use And Benefits
Some benefits of knee arthroscopy are that it allows surgeons to see the joint in its entirety during surgery. Read on to learn more about it!
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure. They use it in trauma and orthopedic surgery. This technique facilitates the diagnosis and helps to treat many joint conditions.
Despite being a far less invasive method than others, it is important to note that knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure. For this reason, only trauma and orthopedic surgeons should perform it.
The image it offers surgeons is collected by a camera. To perform it, a small incision must be made that leaves almost no scar. Therefore, it is a non-invasive procedure that reduces hospitalization times. In most cases, patients can go home the same day, which facilitates the healing process.
Appropriate situations knee arthroscopy
This technique allows specialists to visualize the inside of the knee in a minimally invasive manner. They use it to treat various problems or injuries.
On the contrary, different diseases and injuries can damage different parts of the joint, such as:
- Bones
- Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Later
- Muscles
Benefits of knee arthroscopy: Reconstruction of the ligament
Cruciate ligament injuries require knee arthroscopy for an accurate diagnosis. There are two types : Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.
The ACL is the ligament that controls excessive movement. Its name derives from the fact that it crosses another ligament. This second ligament is the posterior cruciate ligament. It attaches to the back of the shin.
This injury is very common and usually occurs after severe twisting. In addition, if there is also an injured meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, it is known as an “unhappy triad”.
In a young and moderately active person with discomfort, it is important to reconstruct the ligament. This is because it often causes degenerative joint disease, and can lead to meniscus injuries.
An injured meniscus
People with an injured meniscus usually use this technique, both for diagnosis and repair.
The meniscus is a fibro-cartilage that has important functions in the knee. That:
- Is a shock absorbing system.
- Protects the cartilage.
- Improves joint function.
When an injury is sometimes clean and fresh, specialists can repair the meniscus. They can repair a damaged meniscus completely with knee arthroscopy. Alternatively, they can also treat it with medication.
Meniscus grafts that replace a damaged meniscus with donor tissue can also be performed with knee arthroscopy.
Articular cartilage degeneration
Chest is a smooth elastic tissue that covers and protects the joints of the femur, tibia and patella. The most common cause of cartilage damage is osteoarthritis.
However, osteochondritis dissecans , infections, metabolic problems and trauma, among others, can also cause these injuries. Depending on the patient’s age, activity, and expectations, there are several surgical options for repairing or reconstructing cartilage.
Benefits of knee arthroscopy
Thanks to this technique, patients do not require as much hospital time. This promotes rapid healing.
First, the advantages of this technique over others are that the surgeon is able to see the joint in its entirety. This is thanks to a small instrument called an arthroscope.
Another advantage of knee arthroscopy is that only very small incisions are needed. Thus, this technique usually leads to a shorter hospital stay, and a quick cure.
Fortunately, many patients undergoing knee arthroscopy can leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure. On the other hand, there is a better aesthetic result, especially in exposed body parts, as it involves small incisions.
However, keep in mind that patients undergo knee arthroscopy due to various injuries or illnesses. Therefore, the patient’s special injuries will be conditioned by their hospital stay, and the total healing time. In short, not all patients will respond in the same way to this surgery.