Knee Arthroscopy Surgeon in Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed on patients suffering from various knee conditions like torn meniscus, torn anterior cruciate ligament, inflamed synovial tissue, damaged articular cartilage, loose fragments of bone or cartilage, patella (kneecap) problems, knee sepsis (infection), etc. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Mount Pleasant, SC. Blake Ohlson, M.D. also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Blake Ohlson, M.D.’s office for an appointment today!
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure performed using an arthroscope, a viewing instrument, to diagnose or treat a knee problem. It is a relatively safe procedure and you will usually be discharged from the hospital on the same day of surgery.
What is the Anatomy of the Knee?
The knee joint is one of the most complex joints of the body. The lower end of the thighbone (femur) meets the upper end of the shinbone (tibia) at the knee joint. A small bone called the patella (kneecap) rests on a groove on the front of the femoral end. Another bone of the lower leg (fibula) forms a joint with the shinbone.
To allow smooth and painless motion of the knee joint, articular surfaces of these bones are covered with a shiny white slippery articular cartilage. Two C-shaped cartilaginous menisci are present in between the femoral end and the tibial end.
Menisci act as shock absorbers, providing cushion to the joints. They also play an important role in providing stability and load-bearing to the knee joint.
Bands of tissue, including the cruciate and collateral ligaments, keep the different bones of the knee joint together and provide stabilization to the joint. Surrounding muscles are connected to the knee bones by tendons. The bones work together with the muscles and tendons to provide mobility to the knee joint. The whole knee joint is covered by a ligamentous capsule, which further stabilizes the joint. This ligamentous capsule is also lined with a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid for lubrication.
What are the Indications for Knee Arthroscopy?
The knee joint is vulnerable to a variety of injuries. The most common knee problems where knee arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment are:
- Torn meniscus
- Torn or damaged cruciate ligament
- Torn pieces of articular cartilage
- Inflamed synovial tissue
- Misalignment of the patella
- Baker’s cyst: a fluid-filled cyst that develops at the back of the knee due to the accumulation of synovial fluid. It commonly occurs with knee conditions such as meniscal tear, knee arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Certain fractures of the knee bones
What is the Procedure for Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is performed under local, spinal or general anesthesia.
- Your surgeon makes two or three small incisions around the knee.
- Next, a sterile saline solution is injected into the knee to push apart the various internal structures, and provide a clear view and more room for your surgeon to work.
- An arthroscope, a narrow tube with a tiny video camera on the end, is inserted through one of the incisions to view the knee joint. The structures inside the knee are visible to your surgeon on a video monitor in the operating room.
- Your surgeon first examines the structures inside the knee joint to assess the cause of the problem.
- Once a diagnosis is made, surgical instruments such as scissors, motorized shavers, or lasers are inserted through another small incision, and the repair is performed based on the diagnosis.
The repair procedure may include any of the following:
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
- Reconstruction or repair of a torn cruciate ligament
- Removal of small torn pieces of articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bones
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Removal of Baker’s cyst
- Realignment of the patella
- Making small holes or microfractures near damaged cartilage to stimulate cartilage growth
After the repair, the knee joint is carefully examined for bleeding or any other damage. The saline is then drained from the knee joint. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips, and the knee is covered with a sterile dressing.
What Does Postoperative Care for Knee Arthroscopy Involve?
You are most often discharged on the same day of your knee arthroscopy. Pain medicines are prescribed to manage pain. Crutches or a knee brace may be recommended for several weeks. A rehabilitation program may also be advised for a successful recovery. Therapeutic exercises aim to restore motion and strengthen the muscles of the leg and knee.
What Does Recovery after Knee Arthroscopy Involve?
Recovery after the surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Recovery from simple procedures is often fast. Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than that from an open knee surgery.
What are the Risks and Complications of Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure; complications are very rare. Complications specific to knee arthroscopy include bleeding in the knee joint, infection, knee stiffness, blood clots or continuing knee problems.
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about knee arthroscopy, please contact Blake Ohlson, M.D., serving the communities of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Knee Arthroscopy in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Successful knee arthroscopy begins with an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to each patient's condition and activity level. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines extensive orthopedic expertise with advanced minimally invasive techniques to help patients achieve lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation of acute and chronic knee conditions
- Expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's diagnosis, lifestyle, and recovery goals
- Advanced diagnostic imaging for precise surgical planning
- Experience treating meniscal tears, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, Baker's cysts, and other knee disorders
- Individualized rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, flexibility, and knee stability
- Compassionate, patient-focused care from diagnosis through recovery
Whether your knee pain developed from sports, an accident, or gradual wear and tear, Dr. Ohlson works closely with you to develop a treatment strategy that supports long-term joint health and an active lifestyle.
FAQs About Knee Arthroscopy in Mount Pleasant, SC
What conditions can knee arthroscopy treat?
Knee arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat meniscal tears, ACL and other ligament injuries, cartilage damage, inflamed synovial tissue, loose bone or cartilage fragments, Baker's cysts, and certain kneecap problems.
Is knee arthroscopy a minimally invasive procedure?
Yes. Knee arthroscopy is performed through small incisions using a tiny camera and specialized surgical instruments. This minimally invasive approach typically results in less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
How long does it take to recover from knee arthroscopy?
Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed. Many patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks, while recovery following more complex repairs or ligament reconstruction may require several months of rehabilitation.
Will I need physical therapy after knee arthroscopy?
Yes. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore range of motion, improve strength, reduce stiffness, and help you safely return to work, sports, and other physical activities.
When should I consider knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy may be recommended when persistent knee pain, swelling, instability, or mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching do not improve with conservative treatments including rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections.