Although your knees are strong enough to withstand numerous conditions that come their way, they are susceptible to contracting injuries and infections. Whereas some knee conditions are treated with medications and therapy, a knee arthroscopy San Antonio, the procedure is recommended when your situation is severe. Surprisingly, knee arthroscopy is among the leading orthopedic surgeries in the United States, meaning knee conditions are typical. This procedure is minimally invasive and is conducted with the help of a tiny TV camera placed on a pencil-sized tube. Furthermore, the process entails making small incisions in your knee joint to help your surgeon monitor and maneuver your knee for diagnosis and treatments.
While not everyone is an ideal candidate for knee arthroscopy, there are definite conditions that necessitate this procedure. Here are the most typical conditions well-addressed by knee arthroscopy.
1. Swollen synovium
Synovium is the membrane that is key in lubricating the joints in your knees and shoulders. The synovial fluid helps support the functionality of your knee joint, but it can be inflamed to cause immense pain. In such a case, it becomes challenging to identify the root cause of your knee pain. With a knee arthroscopy, your surgeon can keenly assess your knee and remove the affected tissue responsible for your pain. The good thing with this procedure is that it’s minimally invasive, thus, a quick recovery.
2. Baker’s Cyst
Also identified as a popliteal cyst, this condition is geared by fluid-filled lumps that show signs at the back of your knees. It can result from an injury, arthritis, or inflammation in the cartilage area. While this condition can disappear after some treatments, swelling in your knees may reappear, proving your situation is severe and calling for knee arthroscopy. Such swelling can signify blood clotting or tumor; therefore, analysis is key to determining your condition’s leading cause.
3. Torn Meniscus
Each of your knees poses a crescent-like meniscus surrounding your tendons and soft tissues. The meniscus effectively enables a suitable environment for your typical knee functioning. If the meniscus is torn, it affects the ability to repair the damage caused by wear and tear. Mostly, minor knee tears heal without medical interventions, but it calls for knee arthroscopy when the condition persists. This treatment minimizes your pain, and you can resume your normal daily functions after a couple of weeks. However, your surgeon may recommend effective therapies to fasten your recovery.
4. Removal of cartilage and bone fragments
Injuries, tissue tears, and inflammation are primary causes that can result in tissue and cartilage fragments. Arthroscopic surgery is the most recommended procedure to help clear fragments that can cause discomfort or pain in your knees.
5. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
This procedure entails the removal of the damaged ligament to replace it with the tendon from a donor. It’s a standard procedure for sports personnel with recurrent knee injuries. While therapies and medications can help with ACL in the first stages, arthroscopic surgery is the leading choice for active individuals and sportspeople.
The outlook of a knee arthroscopy varies from one person to another. However, the type and severity of your knee condition can influence the procedure’s outcome. You will enjoy the full benefits of knee arthroscopy if you follow your doctor’s guidelines and practice self-care.
