Knee Issues We Can Treat with Arthroscopy

Knee pain is incredibly common. It stems from age-related degeneration, overuse, and injury.

Knee problems cause pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, and weakness. They can get in the way of your mobility. If any of this sounds familiar, then you undoubtedly need medical attention to confirm your diagnosis and provide expert treatment to heal your knee.

Our team of experienced physicians at M.O.S.T. Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy in Potomac, Maryland, can treat and repair a wide range of knee injuries and degenerative conditions using arthroscopy, an innovative surgical technique. 

About arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and repair joint problems. The critical instrument is an arthroscope — a thin, pencil-shaped device with a lighted camera on its tip. 

We insert this device into your knee through a small incision. It transmits images from the inside of your joint to a monitor in the treatment room so we can see inside your knee without having to make a large incision.

Smaller incisions mean less trauma during your surgery, a lower risk of infection or other complications, and a significant reduction in the amount of time you need for recovery. 

What we treat with arthroscopy

Knee problems we can repair with arthroscopy include:

Meniscus tears

Your meniscus is a rubbery disc of cartilage that cushions your knee where your thighbone meets your shinbone. While resilient, your meniscus can tear as a result of a sports injury caused by a sudden twisting movement.

You can also tear your meniscus when you squat to lift a heavy object. You may hear a popping sound, and your knee starts to swell and become stiff. You might not be able to straighten your knee or put weight on it. 

ACL tears

Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main ligaments inside your knee. It crosses diagonally through the joint, providing stability while connecting your thighbone and shinbone.

ACL tears are common sports injuries due to the sudden twisting movements athletes make, such as pivoting or landing a jump awkwardly. An ACL tear causes severe and immediate pain and rapid swelling. In addition to pain, your knee feels unstable. 

Damaged synovial tissue

Your synovial tissue lines your joints and produces the fluid that keeps your joints lubricated. It can become inflamed from overuse, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinically referred to as synovitis, this inflammatory condition causes intense pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can cause chronic persistent pain or intermittent flare-ups. 

Cartilage damage

Your meniscus isn’t the only cartilage in your knee. Cartilage provides cushioning and reduces friction as the bones in your knee joint move. 

Cartilage injuries are often related to wear-and-tear and overuse. In addition to causing pain, cartilage tears can lead to loose tissue in your joint, causing further irritation. 

Call M.O.S.T. Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy today or make an appointment online if you have knee pain that’s interfering with your quality of life.