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Monday, August 17, 2009

Basics of Knee Arthroscopy

By Dr. Richard Edelson

Arthroscopy: Latin: arthro - joint, scopy - view. To use arthroscopy is literally, to view the interior of a joint. Using this technique, an orthopedic surgeon can get a clear view of the interior of a damaged or diseased joint and determine what needs to be done and how to do it. This tool greatly simplifies and improves the options for treatment of damaged and diseased knees.

Modern arthroscopes and high resolution cameras make arthroscopy a very effective procedure for accurate diagnosis and correct treatment of knee disorders.

The Parts of the Knee

The femur, tibia, and patella are the three bones that comprise the knee. The point at which these bones meet is cushioned with articular cartilage. This lets them move with comfort and ease.

Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.

The three bones that make up the largest joint in the body are the shin bone (tibia), thigh bone (femur) and knee cap (patella). The entire structure is held together by ligaments that run between the tibia and femur. The patella moves along a groove in the end of the femur. The strong muscle of the thigh provides support and stability.

Click here for more on knee arthroscopy .

Knee Complications

When everything is functioning properly, the parts of the knee work together smoothly. However, the knee gets a lot of use, and everyday wear and tear can cause problems. Sports, work, injury, weakened tissues, arthritis, and aging all take a toll on the knee. Over the course of time, these things can cause a lot of pain and reduce the ability of the knee to do its job.

With arthroscopy, a number of conditions can be diagnosed and treated:

Chondromalacia, which is the softening of articular cartilage and/or damage to joint surfaces.

Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.

Patellar instability and misalignment.

Problems with the knee joint can be seen using arthroscopy.

Damaged meniscal cartilage.

Loose and fragmented cartilage and bone.

Posterior and anterior damaged cruciate ligaments can be diagnosed.

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. - 17273

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