Knee Arthroscopy

synonyms: Knee scope, knee arthroscopy, KATS

Knee arthroscopy is done by placing a small camera and tools into the knee through small stab incisions. It allows for evaluation of the knee and the management of many different knee problems. Knee arthroscopy is useful for: Mechanical knee symptoms, Meniscal tear, ACL tears, PCL tears, osteochondral defects, Patellofemoral Pain, Chondromalacia Patella, and Chondral Injury.

Alternatives to knee arthroscopy include Non-operative management and Open surgical treatments.

Risks of surgery include but are not limited to: Chondral injury, Infection, Neurovascular Injury, Hardware failure, Hemarthrosis, Fluid extravasation, Synovial fistula, Arthritis, Arthrofibrosis, Pain unchanged or worse than before surgery, Stiffness, Incisional scar (cosmesis), CRPS, Numbness surrounding the incision, Incomplete relief of pain, Incomplete return of function, Need for further surgery, blood clots (DVT), pulmonary embolus (PE), and the Risks of anesthesia including heart attack, stroke and death. Although complications can occur they are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their surgical outcomes. You should always discuss any concerns that you have about surgery with your surgeon and ensure that you have a surgeon that you trust and are confident in.

Treatment following knee arthroscopy is dependent on the patients diagnosis and the procedures done durning the surgery. Most patients will use crutches for up to two weeks as needed and begin a home range of motion exercise program immediately.

Further information about Knee Arthroscopy can be found at the following sites:

• AAOS
• Kneescope

Every person and their particular circumstances are different so the treatment for your Knee may be different than those discussed above. Please read this information carefully. Write down any questions that you have about your injury and its treatment and discuss them with your surgeon. Working together you and your surgeon will determine the best treatment for you.

Appointments to discuss Knee Arthroscopy with Dr. Grutter can be made here. If you have continued questions or concerns after seeing your orthopaedic surgeon a second opinion from Dr. Grutter is often beneficial.