What Are the Most Common Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body, and it is used constantly when you engage in physical activity. It should come as no surprise that knee injuries are among the most common issues associated with an active lifestyle. Depending on the type and severity of your knee injury, surgery may be required to eliminate pain and restore full function.

In many instances, arthroscopic knee surgery may be a practical approach, providing a more minimally invasive procedure that facilitates a faster recovery. During your initial evaluation, our knee surgeons will assess your injury to determine whether arthroscopic knee surgery is the best approach to address your injury.

What Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed with a small camera mounted on a flexible, narrow tube the size of a pencil. This device, called an arthroscope, is a diagnostic tool that allows our knee surgeons to make the necessary repairs using a much smaller incision. The camera on the arthroscope allows our surgeons to see the surgical area on a monitor, making it easy to view the structures of your knee without a large incision.

Because a smaller incision is used, there is less recovery time required compared with traditional surgical techniques. In addition, you’ll experience less pain and a lower risk of infection with arthroscopic knee surgery.

When Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Performed?

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a versatile procedure that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• ACL Tear – A torn ACL is one of the most common sports injuries, and it often requires surgery to repair. Arthroscopic knee surgery is the most common approach used to eliminate pain, stabilize the joint and restore full knee function after a torn ACL.
• Torn Meniscus – The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions between the thighbone and shinbone. When it tears, it can result in severe pain. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed to repair the torn cartilage, eliminate pain and restore proper knee function.
• Loose Bone or Cartilage Fragments – Injuries, inflammation, and tissue tears can often cause small pieces of bone or cartilage to break off from a structure in your knee and float around within the joint, resulting in significant pain and swelling. Arthroscopic knee surgery can remove these fragments to eliminate pain and restore proper function.
• Inflamed Synovium – The synovium is a membrane that lines the knee joint and produces fluid that lubricates and protects the cartilage in the region. If the tissue in the synovium becomes inflamed, it can cause severe pain and swelling. Arthroscopic knee surgery can remove the inflamed tissue to alleviate your pain.
• Patellar Tendinitis – The patellar tendon connects your kneecap to your shinbone. When this tendon becomes inflamed or experiences degeneration, it can result in pain and make it challenging to straighten your leg. Arthroscopic knee surgery can remove the inflamed or degenerated portion of the tendon and clean the damaged area to alleviate pain and restore proper mobility.

Raising the Bar for Knee Surgery on the Western Slope

If you suffer a knee injury, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics can help you restore a pain-free life. Our team includes some of the finest board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians on the Western Slope. Our knee surgeons have experience treating a wide range of injuries using the most advanced surgical technology and techniques. They regularly utilize arthroscopic knee surgery to reduce complications and minimize your recovery time.

Our commitment to using the most advanced technology, along with the extensive training and skill of our surgeons, has enabled our team to deliver surgical outcomes that often exceed industry standards. At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we’re raising the bar for knee surgery on the Western Slope, allowing you to receive the same exceptional quality care typically found in major urban areas.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker, the White River Valley, and the Western Slope.