Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure in which a camera or arthroscope is inserted into the joint through small incisions to allow the surgeon to visualize the condition of the knee.
The surgeon can also insert instruments through small incisions to make minor repairs or eliminate damaged tissue. Ligaments can be repaired or reconstructed.
The Knee Joint-Basic Anatomy
The knee joint is the mating and movement of three bones; the femur or thigh bone, the tibia or shin bone and the patella or knee-cap.
The bones are joined together by ligaments and tendons.
The tendons attach the muscles to the bones and the ligaments attach the bones to one another.
The ligaments of the knee serve as primary stabilizers. Unlike the hip where a true joint is formed primarily by bony geometry (ball and socket), constraint in the knee “joint” is primarily achieved by the presence of 4 ligament.
- Medial Collateral ligament (MCL) –“side to side knee stabilizer”
- Lateral Collateral ligament (LCL) –“side to side knee stabilizer”
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament-(ACL)-limits anterioror frontward movement of the tibia relative to the femur
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)-limits posterior or backward movement of the tibia relative to the femur
Ligament Reconstruction
Torn ligaments (usually the ACL) can be replaced arthroscopically with natural or artificial tissue. A tendon graft or a synthetic ligament can be used. The replaced ligament is attached to the bones with screws. The surgeon must take care in restoring natural tension and balance to the replaced ligament
A nice overview of an ACL Reconstruction can be viewed here:
http://www.arthroscopy.com/sp05025.htm
This link has helpful information for those considering surgery:
http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/orthopaedics/kneearthroscopy/
Other Useful Links
Knee Arthroscopy – Site offering more in-depth description of knee arthroscopy
Meniscal Tears – In addition to ligament injuries and reconstruction, meniscal tears also occur and can be treated arthroscopically. This site gives a simple, concise description of this condition.
Related Topics
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Introductory Topics
Introduction - Home Normal Knee Anatomy The Diseased Knee: Osteoarthritis The Knee Replacement Procedure
Surgery Overview > Total Knee Replacement Surgery Video Knee Replacement Complications Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Computer Assisted Knee Replacement Knee Replacement Implants
The Parts of a Total Knee Replacement Mobile Bearing Knee Replacement Knee Implant Wear Knee Implant Manufacturers Related Topics
Knee Arthroscopy Total Hip Replacement Osteoporosis -
- To Retain or Sacrifice the PCL…That is the Question
- The Impact of “High-Risk” Sports in Knee Replacement Patients
- Video Showing a Traditional Total Knee Replacement Surgery
- Mobile Bearing Knee Replacement Offers no Benefits vs. Fixed Bearing
- Press-Fit Total Knee Replacement: Working to Prevent Loosening and Bone Loss
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