Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy
Dr. S. Arumugam has operated on more than 3000 patients in his career and helped change the lives of many more. His team of anesthesiologists and nurses are thoroughly equipped to care for patients with knee arthroscopy.
Meniscus Debridement
A Meniscus is a soft, C-shaped tissue that lies between the leg bone and the thigh bone. It acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute the body’s weight evenly across the knee. It decreases the stress across the knees when it bears a load and also provides stability to it.
In more than 90% of cases, a meniscus tear is repaired by arthroscopy in a procedure called debridement.
A debridement is an arthroscopic procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into the knee in order to repair the torn tissue.
Meniscal tears commonly takes place because of accidents or injuries. Patients who have a torn meniscus will experience locking, clicking, swelling, and pain in the knees.
Treatment & Procedures
Meniscus Treatment
Your doctor will determine if you have a tear by conducting a physical examination and using imaging tests like X-rays and MRI to see the extent of the tear.
Surgical Procedure
- This procedure takes less time to heal than meniscus repair surgery because it’s the least invasive procedure.
- A meniscus debridement is also a better option compared to other surgical procedures because it’s hard to repair a torn meniscus because of the lack of blood supply to the tissue.
- The surgery is performed by making 2-3 puncture wounds in the knee and inserting an arthroscope to remove loose pieces of cartilage stuck between the bones.
Recovery
- The patient can start walking and resume his daily activities in a short period of time after completing a period of physical therapy.
- The patient will typically bear as much weight as they can tolerate but they may need the help of crutches for a few days following the surgery.
- Swelling starts improving after the first week. Patients with desk jobs can return to work within one or two days. More physical laborers who are involved in construction work may take longer to recover.
- Patients typically return to sports or exercise after 4 to 6 weeks following a short period of physical therapy.
Meniscal tears commonly take place because of accidents or injuries. Patients who have a torn meniscus will experience locking, clicking, swelling, and pain in the knees.
Treatment & Procedures
Meniscus Treatment
Your doctor will determine if you have a tear by conducting a physical examination and using imaging tests like X-rays and MRI to see the extent of the tear.
Surgical Procedure
- This procedure takes less time to heal than meniscus repair surgery because it’s the least invasive procedure.
- A meniscus debridement is also a better option compared to other surgical procedures because it’s hard to repair a torn meniscus because of the lack of blood supply to the tissue.
- The surgery is performed by making 2-3 puncture wounds in the knee and inserting an arthroscope to remove loose pieces of cartilage stuck between the bones.
Recovery
- The patient can start walking and resume his daily activities in a short period of time after completing a period of physical therapy.
- The patient will typically bear as much weight as they can tolerate but they may need the help of crutches for a few days following the surgery.
- Swelling starts improving after the first week. Patients with desk jobs can return to work within one or two days. More physical laborers who are involved in construction work may take longer to recover.
- Patients typically return to sports or exercise by 4 to 6 weeks following a short period of physical therapy.
Meniscus Debridement
A Meniscus is a soft, C-shaped tissue that lies between the leg bone and the thigh bone. It acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute the body’s weight evenly across the knee. It decreases the stress across the knees when it bears a load and also provides stability to it.
In more than 90% of cases, a meniscus tear is repaired by arthroscopy in a procedure called debridement.
A debridement is an arthroscopic procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into the knee in order to repair the torn tissue.
Meniscal tears commonly take place because of accidents or injuries. Patients who have a torn meniscus will experience locking, clicking, swelling, and pain in the knees.
Meniscus Treatment
Your doctor will determine if you have a tear by conducting a physical examination and using imaging tests like X-rays and MRI to see the extent of the tear.
Surgical Procedure
- This procedure takes less time to heal than meniscus repair surgery because it’s the least invasive procedure.
- A meniscus debridement is also a better option compared to other surgical procedures because it’s hard to repair a torn meniscus because of the lack of blood supply to the tissue.
- The surgery is performed by making 2-3 puncture wounds in the knee and inserting an arthroscope to remove loose pieces of cartilage stuck between the bones.
- The patient can start walking and resume his daily activities in a short period of time after completing a period of physical therapy.
- The patient will typically bear as much weight as they can tolerate but they may need the help of crutches for a few days following the surgery.
- Swelling starts improving after the first week. Patients with desk jobs can return to work within one or two days. More physical laborers who are involved in construction work may take longer to recover.
- Patients typically return to sports or exercise after 4 to 6 weeks following a short period of physical therapy.
Loose Body Removal
Loose body removal is an arthroscopic surgery used to remove bits of bone, cartilage, or other tissue stuck between knee joints. It’s a minimally invasive surgery that is performed under a local anesthetic.
Loose bodies are bits of bone, and cartilage that float around the body and get caught in joints. These loose bodies cause pain and locking in the joints.
Loose bodies are mostly caused with by intensive physical activity and are common among athletes and jobs where manual labor is common.
Loose bodies are most commonly diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests. X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and Arthrography are some of the tests used to determine if someone has loose bodies.
- If the patient has loose bodies locked in their joints, they can’t extend their joints fully. So, it’s important to get them removed as soon as possible.
- Loose bodies can be removed surgically or non-surgically depending on the severity of the condition.
- Arthroscopy is the most preferred surgical method to remove loose bodies. First, the patient is positioned such that the physician can see the knee clearly.
- Next, the area is cleaned and sterilized. Then, the surgeon makes 2-5 incisions around the front of the knee.
- A camera is inserted through one of the incisions while the arthroscopic tools are inserted from the other incisions.
- The surgeon uses a camera to survey the area and identify the loose bodies. In some cases, the loose bodies may be difficult to find.
- Once the loose bodies are found, the surgeon uses a suction cup or grasping tool to remove the loose bodies in the knees.
- The instruments are then removed and the incisions are sutured and bandaged. The knee will heal within a month.
Loose Body Removal
Loose body removal is an arthroscopic surgery used to remove bits of bone, cartilage, or other tissue stuck between knee joints. It’s a Minimal invasive surgery that is performed under a local anesthetic.
Loose bodies are bits of bone, cartilage that float around the body and get caught in joints. These loose bodies cause pain and locking in the joints.
Loose bodies are mostly caused due to intensive physical activity and are common among athletes and jobs where manual labor is common.
Loose bodies are most commonly diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests. X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and Arthrography are some of the tests used to determine if someone has loose bodies.
Surgical Procedure
- If the patient has loose bodies locked in their joints, they can’t extend their joints fully. So, it’s important to get them removed as soon as possible.
- Loose bodies can be removed surgically or non-surgically depending on severity of the condition.
- Arthroscopy is the most preferred surgical method to remove the loose bodies. First, the patient is positioned such that the physician can see the knee clearly.
- Next, the area is cleaned and sterilized. Then, the surgeon makes 2-5 incisions around the front of the knee.
- A camera is inserted through one of the incisions while the arthroscopic tools are inserted from the other incisions.
- The surgeon uses a camera to survey the area and identify the loose bodies. In some cases, the loose bodies may be difficult to find.
- Once the loose bodies are found, the surgeon uses a suction cup or grasping tool to remove the loose bodies in the knees.
- The instruments are then removed and the incisions are sutured and bandaged. The knee will heal within a month.
Cartilage Defects
Cartilage is tissue present between the joints. The function of the cartilage is to cushion the joints, absorb the impact, and support our body weight while we walk, run, or stretch.
Some body parts like the ears are made of cartilage. In kids, the ends of larger bones are made of cartilage which later transforms into bones as we age.
Unlike all other tissue in our body, cartilage doesn’t have a blood supply. So, defects in the cartilage take longer to heal.
There are 3 kinds of cartilage in our body:
Elastic Cartilage: This type of cartilage is very pliable and is commonly found in our ears and nose.
Fibrocartilage: This type of cartilage is very tough and is found between the vertebrae. It’s also found between the hips and pelvis.
Hyaline Cartilage: This type of cartilage is both tough and elastic. It’s present between the joints, around the windpipe and in the ribs.
When the cartilage is damaged it causes pain and inflammation. In some cases it may also lead to a type of disability called articular cartilage.
Patients who suffer from cartilage damage also don’t have a free range of motion as they can’t move their joints fully.
Cartilage damage can also cause the joints to lock and lead to bleeding in the joints. This bleeding is called haemarthrosis.
If a patient has haemarthrosis, there will also be bruising in the joints.
Cartilage Damage is caused due to a direct impact to the joint, lack of movement or wear and tear of the joint due to old age.
Cartilage damage is diagnosed using an MRI. Treatment depends on the extent of damage caused to the cartilage.
The doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatories or ask you to undergo a surgery if the damage is too extensive.
Symptoms of a sprain include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Hearing a pop noise when the injury takes place
- Difficulty in moving the affected area without experiencing pain.
Debridement: A portion of the cartilage is trimmed and shaved off so that it doesn’t irritate the other parts of the body.
The procedure is done using small arthroscopic instruments like a mechanical shaver.
Mosaicplasty: Undamaged cartilage is moved to the area where there’s extensive cartilage damage. This is generally only used for patients whose cartilage damage is limited to 2 cm.
Cartilage Defects
Cartilage is tissue present between the joints. The function of the cartilage is to cushion the joints, absorb the impact, and support our body weight while we walk, run, or stretch.
Some body parts like the ears are made of cartilage. In kids, the ends of larger bones are made of cartilage which later transforms into bones as we age.
Unlike all other tissue in our body, cartilage doesn’t have a blood supply. So, defects in the cartilage take longer to heal.
There are 3 kinds of cartilage in our body:
Elastic Cartilage: This type of cartilage is very pliable and is commonly found in our ears and nose.
Fibrocartilage: This type of cartilage is very tough and is found between the vertebrae. It’s also found between the hips and pelvis.
Hyaline Cartilage: This type of cartilage is both tough and elastic. It’s present between the joints, around the windpipe and in the ribs.
When the cartilage is damaged it causes pain and inflammation. In some cases it may also lead to a type of disability called articular cartilage.
Patients who suffer from cartilage damage also don’t have a free range of motion as they can’t move their joints fully.
Cartilage damage can also cause the joints to lock and lead to bleeding in the joints. This bleeding is called haemarthrosis.
If a patient has haemarthrosis, there will also be bruising in the joints.
Cartilage Damage is caused due to a direct impact to the joint, lack of movement or wear and tear of the joint due to old age.
Debridement: A portion of the cartilage is trimmed and shaved off so that it doesn’t irritate the other parts of the body.
The procedure is done using small arthroscopic instruments like a mechanical shaver.
Mosaicplasty: Undamaged cartilage is moved to the area where there’s extensive cartilage damage. This is generally only used for patients whose cartilage damage is limited to 2 cm.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and provides stability to the knee during movements.
An ACL tear can occur due to various reasons, such as sudden stops or changes in direction, pivoting movements, landing awkwardly from a jump, or direct blows to the knee. Sports activities that involve these types of movements, such as soccer, basketball, and skiing, can increase the risk of ACL tears.
Diagnosis of an ACL tear typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess the condition of the ACL and identify any associated injuries.
Symptoms of an ACL tear may include a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury, severe pain, swelling, instability or a feeling of the knee giving way, and difficulty bearing weight or walking.
Recovery after ACL reconstruction involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program. It typically includes physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee. The recovery timeline varies, but it generally takes several months to return to sports or high-impact activities.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments in the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and provides stability to the knee during movements.
An ACL tear can occur due to various reasons, such as sudden stops or changes in direction, pivoting movements, landing awkwardly from a jump, or direct blows to the knee. Sports activities that involve these types of movements, such as soccer, basketball, and skiing, can increase the risk of ACL tears.
Diagnosis of an ACL tear typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to assess the condition of the ACL and identify any associated injuries.
Symptoms of an ACL tear may include a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury, severe pain, swelling, instability or a feeling of the knee giving way, and difficulty bearing weight or walking.
Recovery after ACL reconstruction involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program. It typically includes physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee. The recovery timeline varies, but it generally takes several months to return to sports or high-impact activities.
Scar Tissue Releases
Scar tissue release is a therapeutic technique used to address the formation of excessive scar tissue in the body. It involves various manual techniques that aim to break down adhesions and restrictions within the scar tissue, promoting improved tissue mobility and function.
Why does scar tissue form?
Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process in response to injury, surgery, or trauma. It is composed of collagen fibers that help repair damaged tissues. However, in some cases, excessive scar tissue can develop, leading to restricted movement, pain, and functional limitations.
What conditions can benefit from scar tissue releases?
Scar tissue releases can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including post-surgical scars, soft tissue injuries, repetitive strain injuries, burns, and conditions such as frozen shoulder or plantar fasciitis. The goal is to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall tissue function.
What techniques are used in scar tissue release?
Symptoms of an ACL tear may include a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury, severe pain, swelling, instability or a feeling of the knee giving way, and difficulty bearing weight or walking.
Who performs scar tissue releases?
Scar tissue release techniques can be performed by qualified healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists
Scar Tissue Releases
Scar tissue release is a therapeutic technique used to address the formation of excessive scar tissue in the body. It involves various manual techniques that aim to break down adhesions and restrictions within the scar tissue, promoting improved tissue mobility and function.
Why does scar tissue form?
Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process in response to injury, surgery, or trauma. It is composed of collagen fibers that help repair damaged tissues. However, in some cases, excessive scar tissue can develop, leading to restricted movement, pain, and functional limitations.
What conditions can benefit from scar tissue releases?
Scar tissue releases can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including post-surgical scars, soft tissue injuries, repetitive strain injuries, burns, and conditions such as frozen shoulder or plantar fasciitis. The goal is to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall tissue function.
What techniques are used in scar tissue release?
Symptoms of an ACL tear may include a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury, severe pain, swelling, instability or a feeling of the knee giving way, and difficulty bearing weight or walking.
Who performs scar tissue releases?
Scar tissue release techniques can be performed by qualified healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists
Diagnosis
Loose bodies are most commonly diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests. X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and Arthrography are some of the tests used to determine if someone has loose bodies.
Surgical Procedure
- If the patient has loose bodies locked in their joint, they can’t extend their joints fully. So, it’s important to get them removed as soon as possible.
- Loose bodies can be removed surgically or non-surgically depending on the severity of the condition.
- Arthroscopy is the most preferred surgical method to remove the loose bodies. First, the patient is positioned such that the physician can see the knee clearly.
- Next, the area is cleaned and sterilized. Then, the surgeon makes 2-5 incisions around the front of the knee.
- A camera is inserted from one of the incisions while the arthroscopic tools are inserted from the other incisions.
- The surgeon uses a camera to survey the area and identify the loose bodies. In some cases, the loose bodies may be difficult to find.
- Once the loose bodies are found, the surgeon uses a suction cup or grasping tool to remove the loose bodies in the knees.
- The instruments are then removed and the incisions are sutured and bandaged. The knee will heal within a month.