Knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most widely used and common techniques in knee surgery. Nearly all knee surgeries that do not involve fitting a prosthesis are performed entirely or partially using arthroscopy.

Meniscus injuries, involving the crescent-shaped fibrous cartilage found between the bones of certain joints, are quite common and typically treated with arthroscopy. In the knee, there are two menisci: the inner (medial) meniscus, which is more frequently torn, and the outer (lateral) meniscus. The meniscus plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the knee and in preventing joint degeneration that can lead to osteoarthritis.

Therefore, current medical efforts focus on preserving as much of the meniscus as possible through techniques such as meniscal suturing, partial resection, and, when necessary, transplantation.

Another common sports injury is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury causes knee instability, hindering sports activities and, if left untreated, can lead to issues with the meniscus and cartilage. Therefore, arthroscopic reconstruction of the ligament using various grafts is necessary for proper treatment.

Cartilage injuries are quite common and can be either acute or chronic, such as in osteoarthritis. Preserving cartilage is crucial to prevent degenerative processes that are difficult to reverse once they begin. Arthroscopy enables us to visualise and access the knee in a minimally invasive manner, thereby preventing accelerated wear and tear.

One of the significant advantages of arthroscopic techniques is the ability to assess joint structures without damaging the surrounding tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This procedure, performed under local anaesthesia, provides a comprehensive view of the joint through a minimal incision.

Knee arthroscopies are generally not painful, although the level of pain can vary depending on the lesions treated. Some postoperative pain is to be expected.