Knee pain caused by a torn meniscus or other joint injuries can make everyday movement difficult. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman provides advanced knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat knee conditions using minimally invasive techniques that help relieve pain, restore function, and support a faster recovery.
Relieve Pain From Knee Injuries
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. During surgery, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through tiny incisions, allowing your surgeon to view the joint and perform treatment using specialized instruments. Knee arthroscopy can help address conditions such as meniscus tears, damaged cartilage, loose bone or cartilage fragments, and ligament injuries while minimizing tissue disruption and supporting a faster recovery.
What Does Knee Arthroscopy Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is commonly recommended for conditions that cause pain, swelling, instability, or restricted movement within the knee joint. Because the procedure allows your surgeon to see and treat the inside of the knee, it can address various injuries and structural problems through small incisions. Knee arthroscopy may be used to treat:
- Torn meniscus
- Damaged or worn cartilage
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments within the joint
- Certain ligament injuries
- Inflamed joint lining (synovium)
- Early joint damage caused by arthritis in select cases
What Happens During Knee Arthroscopy?
Your procedure begins after anesthesia is administered. Dr. Grossman makes a few small incisions around your knee and inserts an arthroscope, a thin instrument equipped with a high-definition camera. Sterile fluid is introduced into the joint to improve visibility, allowing him to examine the cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, and other structures for signs of damage.
Once the problem has been identified, Dr. Grossman uses specialized miniature instruments inserted through additional small incisions to perform the needed treatment. Depending on your condition, this may include removing damaged meniscal tissue or repairing a torn meniscus. After treatment is complete, the instruments are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical strips, and a protective dressing is applied before you begin your recovery.
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy:
- Smaller incisions than traditional open surgery
- Less disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues
- Reduced postoperative pain for many patients
- Lower risk of complications such as infection
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation in appropriate cases
- Improved visualization of the inside of the knee joint
- Relief from pain, catching, locking, or limited mobility
- Preservation of healthy knee structures whenever possible
- Quicker return to daily activities and recreational pursuits when appropriate
Types of Knee Arthroscopy Procedures
Meniscectomy
A meniscectomy removes the damaged portion of a torn meniscus while preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible. This procedure is often recommended when the tear cannot be repaired because of its location or severity. Removing unstable tissue can relieve pain, reduce catching or locking, and improve knee function.
Meniscus Repair
A meniscus repair restores the torn cartilage by securing the damaged tissue with specialized sutures or fixation devices. When the tear has a good chance of healing, repairing the meniscus helps preserve its natural cushioning function. This approach supports long-term knee health and may reduce the risk of future joint degeneration.
FAQs
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies depending on the condition being treated and the specific procedure performed. Many people resume light daily activities within a few days to a few weeks, while more physically demanding activities may require additional healing time. If you undergo a meniscus repair, your recovery is generally longer than after a meniscectomy because the repaired tissue needs time to heal properly.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and leading New Jersey specialist who always explores conservative treatments before recommending surgery. When knee arthroscopy is the right treatment option, he uses advanced minimally invasive techniques to relieve pain and support a smooth recovery. If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain or a meniscus injury, schedule your consultation to learn whether knee arthroscopy is right for you.
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