Arthroscopic knee surgery

Knee injuries and conditions come in all types and degrees of severity. While some conditions require surgeons to replace part or all of the knee joint, other conditions may only require that the ligaments, cartilage and tendons within and around the knee joint be treated or repaired.

About knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, usually performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon uses miniature cameras and instruments to get a better view of the inner workings of your knee. This increases surgical precision and typically minimizes the number and size of surgical incisions.  The arthroscope is also often used to assist the surgeon's visualization in other more complex surgeries; in some cases, additional incisions are needed.

Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and sometimes treat knee conditions. The procedure is most effective in treating injuries and conditions that affect, or have caused damage to, the cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround, protect and enable your knee to function properly.

Depending on the underlying causes of your condition, knee arthroscopy may be effective in:

• Relieving pain.
• Improving stability.
• Removing loose bodies (cartilage or bone spurs).
• Repairing tissue tears and damage.
• Improving function and range of motion.

HonorHealth orthopedic surgeons perform a wide range of arthroscopic knee surgeries, including:

• Loose body surgery to remove cartilage and/or bone spurs that come loose or break off and get caught in the knee and cause pain, swelling and/or locking.
• Meniscus and other cartilage surgeries to replace, fix or trim torn cartilage. Among the most common surgeries for the knee, meniscus surgeries include:
  • Meniscus transplant surgery (rarely).
  • Meniscal repair (suturing of torn meniscus).
  • Torn meniscus trimming, known as partial meniscectomy.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other ligament surgeries to repair, reconstruct or replace the ligament(s) responsible for keeping your knee stable.
• Patella realignment surgery to correct instability that may result in dislocation or "slipping” of the kneecap.

Your HonorHealth orthopedic surgeon will work with you to determine exactly what type of knee surgery you need to address or treat your knee pain and get you moving again.