Arthroscopic knee surgery

WHY IS ARTHROSCOPY NECESSARY?
Diagnosing joint injuries and disease begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, and sometimes X-rays. Further diagnosis using arthroscopy may be required because it gives a precise, direct view of the affected bones and soft tissues (ligaments and cartilage.)

With the arthroscope, more of the joint can be seen than is possible even with a large incision made during an open operation. In addition, areas that sometimes are difficult to see on an X-ray can be seen during arthroscopy. A joint usually contains dense, pad-like tissue called cartilage and fibre-like tissue called ligaments. The cartilage and ligaments cushion the bones and stabilise the joint so the joint can move easily without pain. Additional stability and the ability to control movement are provided by tendons and muscles which are attached to the bones in the joint.

Disease and injuries can damage bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Some of the most frequent conditions found during diagnostic arthroscopic examinations of joints are:

Even though the inside of most joints can be viewed with an arthroscope, only six joints are frequently examined with this procedure. The knee is by far the joint most often examined. Others include the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. As advances are made by engineers in electronic technology and new techniques are developed by orthopaedic surgeons, other joints may be viewed and treated with arthroscopy in the future.