When Knee Pain Requires Surgery
Statistics estimate that 1 in 4 American adults have knee pain. While some are due to injury, many of these cases are chronic, long-term conditions. A doctor, specifically an orthopedic surgeon, should address all knee pain and disorders. Whether the damage is the result of an injury or chronic, doctors need a way to assess and treat the knee. With outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery, surgeons can fix the damage with minimal risk to the patient. Instead of ignoring the pain or using over-the-counter (OTC) medication, knee surgery can be a game-changer for a swift, long-term recovery.
What is arthroscopic knee surgery?
Advancements in surgery have revolutionized the way doctors can treat joint conditions. The knee is a complex joint made of bones, ligaments, and cartilage known as the meniscus. Any of these components can suffer damage, leading to acute or chronic pain. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a fantastic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that uses minor incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope to assess and repair the damage. The arthroscope and small surgical tools allow the surgeon to view the knee without making large cuts. Minimally invasive surgery for knee conditions is quickly becoming the alternative to open surgery to the benefit of patients worldwide.
Uses of arthroscopy
The most common use of arthroscopy is for diagnosing and treating an immediate knee injury. Some people, particularly athletes, experience ligament tears, meniscus tears, and other knee injuries. These accidents can cause sudden swelling, pain, and instability. Knee arthroscopy quickly diagnoses and treats the issue to prevent further damage. The procedure is not limited to athletes. Some people experience chronic knee conditions like arthritis or a degenerative meniscus. Knee arthroscopy can also diagnose and treat these disorders. Recently, knee arthroscopy has been used to replace entire knee joints.
What are the benefits?
A major benefit of MIS is the patient can leave the medical facility the same day. Patients can recover at home and don’t have to spend extra time at the hospital. Additionally, the procedure uses small incisions, limiting the chances of excess bleeding and infection. The MIS approach limits cutting into tissue and muscle, which means less inflammation, swelling, and fewer scars. Arthroscopy allows the doctor to repair serious conditions like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and meniscus tears. For athletes, the surgery can be the difference between weeks and months on the sidelines.
Pain relief is possible
Knee pain can be debilitating and painful. After surgery, there will be an extended period of recovery. However, knee arthroscopy can reduce overall pain significantly. Studies show that knee arthroscopy has a high success rate. The procedure also has less pain and complications compared to open surgery.
A precise solution
Knee pain can be either acute or chronic based on the condition. However, a simple incision and an arthroscope can help patients seeking relief. Whether the technique is to repair a ligament or replace a joint, recovery time is significantly shorter. Thanks to smaller incisions and more precise surgery to correct the underlying issue, outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery is the future of joint care.
