Knee Arthroscopy
-
- Tweet
Ashford Orthopedic Specialists
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Athens, GA also serving Oconee County and Clarke County
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that allows for accurate diagnoses and effective repairs for knee injuries while minimizing complications associated with traditional open surgery. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists in Athens and Loganville, Georgia, orthopedic surgeon, and sports medicine specialist William Ashford, MD, has extensive experience treating professional athletes and can perform knee arthroscopy for diagnosis and treatment. To learn more about the surgery and its purposes, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a consultation online today.
Knee Arthroscopy Q & A
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery for certain types of knee injuries. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Ashford performs knee arthroscopy for diagnosis and treatment. The procedure allows him to see inside your knee without making a large incision. Instead, he makes a small cut and inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope.
During your knee arthroscopy, Dr. Ashford can see the tendons, ligaments, bone, and cartilage on a video monitor. If he’s performing the surgery to make repairs, he inserts tiny instruments into the incision and uses the image on the screen for guidance.
Like other minimally invasive surgeries, knee arthroscopy comes with shorter healing time and less postoperative pain than a traditional surgical approach. Dr. Ashford can tell you whether or not you’re a candidate for knee arthroscopy after an evaluation.
What can knee arthroscopy diagnose or treat?
Knee arthroscopy allows Dr. Ashford to safely diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and injuries affecting your knee joints. If you’re experiencing knee pain, often the main symptom of knee injuries, it may be due to:
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- A torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Torn meniscus
- Cartilage defects
- Knee bone fractures
- Swollen synovium (joint lining)
- Displaced patella (kneecap)
- Knee sepsis (infection)
Meniscus tears and ACL tears are common in physically active people. Meniscus tears often occur in people within the 35-55 age range, while ACL tears are more common in high school and college-age athletes.
Once Dr. Ashford finds a conclusive diagnosis, he will customize a plan for you that may include arthroscopic surgery.
How should I prepare for knee arthroscopy?
Preparing for knee arthroscopy is simpler than preparing for more invasive surgery. You must inform Dr. Ashford of any medications and supplements you take. As part of your preparation, he might advise you to:
- Adjust or stop taking certain medications
- Stop eating at midnight before surgery
- Fill a pain relief prescription before the surgery, so you have it ready for your recovery
- Arrange a ride to and from the surgery center
- Perform knee exercises
Dr. Ashford also informs you of what to expect during the recovery after your knee arthroscopy to prepare accordingly. If you have any questions about the preparation, procedure, or recovery, he answers them in detail before the date of your surgery.
If you experience severe or prolonged knee pain, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book an appointment online today to find out more about knee arthroscopy.
We offer services such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, and shoulder arthroscopy. Call us to book your appointment today.
