Knee Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee pain affects millions of people, from athletes to weekend warriors to individuals coping with age-related joint changes. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or activity modifications fail to provide lasting relief, knee arthroscopy offers a modern, minimally invasive solution. At Princeton Brain, Spine and Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced arthroscopic procedures that diagnose and treat knee joint problems with precision, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to their daily lives faster.

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to see and treat problems inside the knee joint through tiny incisions. Unlike traditional open knee surgery, arthroscopy uses 2-4 small portals (4-5mm each) to insert a fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments. The arthroscope provides a magnified, high-definition view of the knee’s internal structures, including cartilage, ligaments, meniscus, and joint lining, allowing precise treatment while minimizing trauma to healthy tissue.

Advantages of arthroscopic knee surgery include:

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
• Reduced post-operative pain and swelling
• Faster recovery and rehabilitation
• Lower risk of complications
• Most procedures performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day

At Princeton Brain Spine and Orthopedics, we leverage these benefits to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care for individuals with a wide range of knee conditions.

Who is a Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy may be right for you if you:

• Experience persistent knee pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms like locking or catching after conservative treatment
• Have sports-related injuries, including meniscus tears, ligament damage, or cartilage injuries
• Require removal of loose bone or cartilage fragments interfering with joint movement
• Need diagnostic evaluation when MRI or physical exams cannot definitively identify the source of pain
• Have inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or infections that require joint cleaning or tissue sampling

Arthroscopy is often recommended for athletes and active individuals who want to return to sports more quickly, as the minimally invasive approach reduces downtime compared to open knee surgery.

You may not be a candidate if you have advanced osteoarthritis, significant bone-on-bone degeneration, severe medical conditions increasing surgical risk, or if symptoms are expected to improve with continued conservative management. Our orthopedic surgeons carefully evaluate each patient to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy can address a broad range of knee problems, helping restore function and relieve pain:

• Meniscus tears: Arthroscopic trimming or repair of medial and lateral meniscus tears, restoring shock absorption and joint stability.
• Cartilage damage (chondromalacia): Smooths rough surfaces, removes loose fragments, and stimulates cartilage regeneration when possible.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries: ACL reconstruction using patient or donor tendon grafts to restore knee stability.
• Loose bodies: Removes fragments of bone or cartilage causing pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms like locking.
• Synovitis: Removal of inflamed joint lining to reduce chronic pain and swelling.
• Plica syndrome: Arthroscopic removal of thickened tissue folds causing discomfort or activity limitations.
• Joint infections: Effective irrigation and debridement to remove infected tissue, often combined with antibiotic therapy.

By treating these conditions early, knee arthroscopy can help preserve long-term joint health and improve quality of life.

The Arthroscopic Procedure

During knee arthroscopy, our expert orthopedic surgeons follow a systematic, minimally invasive approach designed to maximize outcomes:

1. Anesthesia: Local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on procedure complexity and patient needs.
2. Knee positioning: Stabilized for optimal access and safety.
3. Joint irrigation: Sterile saline expands the joint space for a clear view and removes debris.
4. Examination: Arthroscope inspects all knee compartments: medial, lateral, and patellofemoral.
5. Surgical repair: Specialized instruments trim or repair damaged tissue, smooth cartilage, reconstruct ligaments, or remove loose fragments.
6. Closure: Small incisions are closed with absorbable sutures or adhesive strips, covered with a sterile dressing.

The precision of arthroscopy reduces trauma to healthy tissues, allowing for faster healing, less pain, and shorter rehabilitation.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the type of arthroscopic procedure and your overall health:

• Outpatient surgery: Most patients return home within 1–2 hours.
• Weight-bearing: Usually as tolerated; complex repairs may require protected weight-bearing.
• Return to work: Sedentary jobs: 3-7 days; physically demanding jobs: 6-10 weeks.
• Physical therapy: Begins within the first week to restore range of motion, reduce swelling, and gradually strengthen muscles.
• Return to sports: 6-12 weeks for simple procedures

Early adherence to rehabilitation protocols is key for optimal recovery and long-term knee health.

FAQ: Knee Arthroscopy

Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

Our expert orthopedic surgeons combine advanced arthroscopic techniques with personalized care, ensuring faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. From your first consultation to post-operative rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive guidance and support to restore mobility and improve quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Knees

Schedule a consultation with Princeton Brain, Spine and Orthopedics today to see if knee arthroscopy is right for you. Our expert orthopedic surgeons are committed to helping you return to your daily activities faster, safer, and stronger.