Knee Arthroscopy: Conditions Treated

Arthroscopy is used to find and treat many types of knee problems. These include tears in the meniscal cartilage or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and arthritis.

Damaged meniscal cartilage is removed.

Meniscal Cartilage Tears

There are several types of meniscal cartilage tears. Your surgery will depend on the type and extent of your injury. Your surgeon can remove the damaged tissue or fix the tear. Treatment should ease the pain and swelling. It can also help keep the joint from locking.

To replace damaged ACL tissue,  a graft of strong, healthy tissue is attached.

ACL Tears

A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) can make the knee unstable. You may have pain and swelling, and your knee may give out. Your surgeon can repair the ACL with stitches or rebuild it. To rebuild your ACL, damaged tissue may be replaced with a graft of healthy tissue from an area near your knee, or from a donor.

To treat arthritis,  areas where cartilage has worn away are smoothed.

Arthritis

Constant use of the knee over time can cause arthritis. This is when the articular cartilage wears away and roughens. Bone or cartilage fragments can also break off inside the joint (loose bodies). Either problem can limit movement and cause pain. Your surgeon will use a burr or shaver to smooth the joint surface. This will aid in healing. Loose bodies will also be removed.