Knee Arthroscopy Overview
The knee joint is accessible through arthroscopic procedures in which a small telescope is placed in one portal and operating instruments through another portal at the knee joint. The joint is able to be examined thoroughly and all of the cartilage surfaces, ligament surfaces, and bony surfaces can be examined and treated, if damaged, through arthroscopic means. The surgery is performed at an outpatient surgery center. The rehabilitation program usually begins immediately the next day. A “cleanout’ of a joint usually refers to removing thickened scar tissue, spurs of bone from arthritis, loose bodies, or damaged cartilage in a way that permits the joint to move more smoothly. Often, this is extremely effective for patients who have had loss of motion or arthritis, as it removes the mechanical causes of joint pain and inflammation.