Arthroscopy of the Knee
August 29, 2009 by Dr. Richard Edelson
Arthro is joint in Latin. Scopy is view. Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees.
Using high resolution cameras and state of the art arthroscopes, this technique is extremely effective in diagnosing and treating knee disorders.
The Composition of the Knee
Three bones make up the knee: The femur, the tibia, and the patella. They are cushioned at their juncture by articular cartilage, which allows the bones to work together smoothly.
The remainder of knee surfaces are coated with synovial membrane. This is a smooth, thin tissue that creates a fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the knee. This lubrication facilitates smooth functioning of the knee.
The knee is a large joint – the largest in the body, in fact. It is in almost constant use in every day activities. The lower end of the thigh bone – the femur – rotates on the upper end of the shin bone – the tibia. The kneecap – patella – slides along a groove on the end of the femur. The knee gets stability from large ligaments that connect the tibia and the femur, and strength from the large muscle of the thigh.
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Problems With the Knees
When knees are healthy, they function smoothly; however, knees take a beating every day. They are used almost constantly as we go about our daily tasks. After a while, the knees become worn by work, sports, injuries, aging, arthritis, and general weakening of the tissues. The result is pain and a general loss of function.
Arthroscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions:
Chondromalacia, which is the softening of articular cartilage and/or damage to joint surfaces.
Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.
Patellar misalignment and/or instability.
Problems with the knee joint can be seen using arthroscopy.
Damaged meniscal cartilage.
Loose and fragmented cartilage and bone.
The posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments can become torn.
Using arthroscopy, these problems can be located and assessed. This tool is extremely helpful to orthopedic surgeons. Using arthroscopy, diagnosis becomes more accurate and easier. This, in turn, makes treatment more effective and efficient.
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