Treating a problematic knee may sound like a complicated procedure. Luckily, the team at Jock to Doc in Houston, TX provides reliable and less invasive methods of treatment through knee arthroscopy.
What is knee arthroscopy?
Dr. Mark Adickes describes knee arthroscopy as a procedure that is done with a specialized camera. Not only can the procedure be used as a method of performing surgery, but it can also be a way to investigate and diagnose problems of the knee using the arthroscope camera itself. This particular procedure has become popular as it does not cause serious complications, can be done quickly in the office, and requires shorter recovery times.
What can a knee arthroscopy diagnose?
Conditions often diagnosed with knee arthroscopy include:
- Cartilage damage
- Fluid buildup and drainage
- Bone or cartilage fragments
- Persistent joint stiffness and pain
What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy procedures versus traditional treatments?
The knee arthroscopy procedure may be chosen by doctors and patients because of the following benefits:
- Less damage to the surrounding tissues
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced side effects
- Lower risk of infection
- Smaller incisions
- Fewer stitches
- Less pain following the procedure
What can I expect from the procedure?
During a knee arthroscopy, anesthetic is used. A local anesthetic is best for treating one knee, while patients with both knees being worked on may have a more regional aesthetic to numb them from the waist down. Depending on the patient and the procedure, the doctor may also give patients general anesthetic which allows them to rest while the knee arthroscopy is performed. One or more incisions are made in the knee and the knee is expanded using a special saline solution. The arthroscope is them inserted into the incision and is used to diagnose a problem or take pictures. Small tools can be inserted through the arthroscope to treat any conditions that may need correcting. Once completed, the doctor will remove the tools and arthroscope, drain the saline solution, and stitch the incisions. Most knee arthroscopy procedures take less than one hour.
Learn more about knee arthroscopy today!
Call Jock to Doc of the Houston, TX area to connect with our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mark Adickes. Our front office team can be reached at and our practice is located at 7200 Cambridge Street, Suite #10A.
