A guide to arthroscopic knee procedures 

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a surgeon to see inside and around the knee joint while limiting soft tissue disruption to the surrounding area. Because of this, arthroscopic procedures can be performed with a small incision on an outpatient basis. Knee arthroscopy can be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Whether caused by injury or natural aging, knee pain and mobility problems can have a negative effect on your quality of life, but there are effective treatment options. By learning more about the full range of available therapies, patients can be more engaged with treatment and make an informed decision about care. We’re here to help and welcome any questions you have as you read over the following information.

Who can knee arthroscopy help? 

With each step, we put a tremendous amount of force on the knee joint. This can make the knees vulnerable to a number of sports- or work-related injuries. Additionally, the natural aging process can wear down the protective joint cartilage that allows for smooth joint motion, causing inflammation and pain known as osteoarthritis.

Most causes of knee pain can be treated with conservative treatments such as rest, oral medication, steroidal injections and physical therapy. However, if these methods do not sufficiently relieve symptoms or an injury does not appear to be healing correctly, a surgical procedure may be recommended. In cases where there is limited damage and only a small tissue repair or removal is required, a surgeon can perform a knee arthroscopy.

What to expect during knee arthroscopy

An arthroscope is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end designed to be inserted through a small incision into joints such as the knee. A video image is then transmitted to a monitor in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to see a magnified, real-time image of the joint without the need to fully open up the area.

By doing this, surgeons can avoid having to sever muscles, tendons and ligaments which would be required in a traditional open knee surgery. This can help surgeons perform the following types of procedures:

• Diagnostic evaluations to see damage that might not show up on an MRI or other imagery
• Removal or repair of knee cartilage, such as a torn meniscus
• Repair of a ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Removing synovial tissue that has become inflamed
• Removing loose bone and cartilage fragments

Most procedures last about an hour or less, but can vary from patient to patient. Upon recovery, patients can typically return home within an hour or two after receiving detailed post-operative instructions. Physical therapy and rehabilitation often plays a key role in the recovery process, helping patients regain strength and function in the knee.

Cost of knee arthroscopy

The cost of knee arthroscopy surgery is based on a number of considerations. This can include both the extent of the procedure and a patient’s insurance carrier. Medicare will cover arthroscopic knee surgery if it is deemed a necessary treatment. USA Spine Care accepts Medicare, most private health insurances and works with workers’ compensation claims and personal injury cases at all of our centers.

Find lasting relief from knee pain 

To learn more about the wide range of treatments for knee injuries and conditions to help you return to an active lifestyle, contact USA Spine Care today. Our caring and experienced team of treatment professionals can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.

Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1-866-249-1627.