Knee arthroscopy is a visual examination using easy-to-handle optical systems for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is a minimally invasive technique that has displaced knee arthrotomy.
The first reported visualization of the knee dates back to 1918 by Takagi, to Bircher in 1921 (using an endoscope), until the 1960s, when the arthroscope was introduced as an instrument to perform the arthroscopic technique.
Currently, specialists in traumatology perform arthroscopy in almost all joints, but where they are most commonly performed is in the knee and shoulder.
Knee arthroscopy applications
The pathologies to be treated with arthroscopy in the knee have had a wide development in the last decade thanks to the contribution and development of more technically sophisticated accessory instruments, which has allowed to perform a first diagnostic time, and then a reparative surgical time.
The pathology to be treated with arthroscopy covers all the structures that are part of the knee:
- Meniscus – tears – repair with sutures – meniscal transplants.
- Ligaments – ruptures with creation of ligamentous plastias.
- Synovial – biopsies for diagnostic purposes and evacuation of synovial effusions and synovectomies.
- Cartilage – regenerative treatment for wear and tear and cartilage breaks.
- Bone – repair of intra-articular femur and knee fractures.
Advantages of knee arthroscopy
The advantages that the patient has with knee arthroscopy are based on:
- Diagnostic reliability of knee pain compared to radiological diagnostic tests, CT, MRI…
- Less postoperative pain with puncture wounds.
- Early knee movements.
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Lower rate of infection.
Recommendations for knee arthroscopy
- Rapid mobilization of the knee in the first 24 hours and, if necessary, temporary immobilization for 2 to 3 days, being able to move the ankle, hip and toes.
- Use two crutches either for walking or for unloading.
- Oral or subcutaneous antithrombotic treatment.
- In cartilaginous and ligamentous injuries – unloading (not to support the intervened lower limb) according to prescription of his traumatologist.
- Assisted rehabilitation to strengthen quadriceps and gain knee mobility arc.