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Monday, August 17, 2009

Basics of Knee Arthroscopy

By Dr. Richard Edelson

Arthroscopy is the use of a miniature camera to view the interior of a joint. It is particularly useful when diagnosing and treating damaged or diseased knees. Using an arthroscope, an orthopedic surgeon can get a clear view of the inside of the knee and make a definite decision as to how to treat the condition.

Modern arthroscopes and high resolution cameras make this hi-tech solution a very effective method for diagnosis and treatment of ailing knees.

The Structure 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.

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.

Click here for more on knee arthroscopy .

Knee Difficulties

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.

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

When the articular cartilage is softened and/or the surfaces of the joints are damaged, it is called chondromalacia.

Crystalline arthropathy, is characterized by gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and/or inflamed synovial membranes.

The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.

These problems can be located using arthroscopy.

Meniscal cartilage can become torn.

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. - 17274

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