Knee Arthroscopy Westchester

Knee arthroscopy is a type of surgical procedure that will allow an orthopedic specialist to view the knee joint without making a large incision through soft tissues. This procedure is less invasive compared to open knee surgery and offers a significantly shorter recovery time. This type of delicate procedure is often used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee issues. If you’re experiencing knee pain and discomfort, call to schedule a consultation for a knee arthroscopy with Dr. Scott Russinoff. Dr. Russinoff is an experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Westchester, who specializes in outpatient knee scope procedures.

Knee Arthroscopy Surgery in Westchester County

A knee scope is a delicate procedure that involves inserting an arthroscope, a small camera, into the knee joint. Dr. Russinoff will use the images displayed on a video monitor to guide miniature surgical instruments. The small, thin instruments allow the doctor to make very small incisions, resulting in less joint stiffness and pain, in addition to a shorter recovery time. This allows the patient to return to work and their regular daily activities, significantly faster.

Knee Anatomy- Meniscus and Articular Cartilage

The knee is the most complex and largest joint in the body. The bones that make up the knee include the upper end of the kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone. The back of the patella and the ends of the tibia and femur are covered with articular cartilage, a slippery substance that allows the bones in the knee to smoothly move across each other when a person straightens or bends their knee.

This joint is surrounded by synovium, a thin lining that releases a lubricating fluid that reduces friction when we move.

The meniscus consists of two pieces of cartilage that are wedge-shaped. This meniscal cartilage is much different than articular cartilage in that it’s rubbery and tough and designed to stabilize and cushion the knee joint.

In the knee, the four main ligaments work like strong ropes that keep the knee stable by holding the bones together.

Arthroscopy is often used to diagnose problems that damage the ligaments, articular cartilage, and other structures around the knee joint.

Knee Scope Surgery Preparation

Dr. Russinoff may recommend scheduling an appointment with a patient’s primary physician for a general health assessment before surgery. A primary care physician can identify any health issues that can potentially interfere with a knee arthroscopy procedure. Patients who have certain health issues will require a more extensive exam before surgery.

Preoperative tests may also be necessary. These tests typically include an EKG or blood tests.

Knee Scope Surgery Information for Patients

To start the procedure, the doctor will make a few small incisions. These incisions are referred to as portals. To rinse away cloudy fluid, a sterile solution will be used to fill the knee. This will help the surgeon to see the structures inside the knee.

Next, a knee scope, or arthroscope, is inserted into the knee portals, in addition to surgical instruments.

The doctor’s first task is to identify the patient’s problem. He will insert the scope and use the image on a video monitor to guide it in search of any issues that are causing the patient’s pain and inflammation. The surgical tools that are used for this procedure are designed to anchor stitches into the bone, repair cartilage, and for tasks such as grasping, cutting, and shaving.

How Long Does a Knee Arthroscopy Surgery Take?

In most cases, this type of procedure will take less than 30 minutes to complete. The length of the procedure will depend on what the doctor finds and the required treatment.

Complications from Knee Scope Surgery

Fortunately, the complication rate for this type of surgery is rather low. If a complication does occur, it’s often minor and very easy to treat. Possible issues with this type of procedure can include:

•  Accumulation of blood surrounding the knee
• Joint stiffness
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Pain after knee scope

Discharge

After the procedure, the patient is moved to a recovery room and will be discharged from the facility in one to two hours, unlike an open knee surgery procedure which can require a lengthy hospital stay. This short discharge time will allow a patient to recover in the comfort of their own home.

Knee Scope Recovery Time

Fortunately, the recovery time for knee arthroscopy is significantly faster compared to the recovery time for traditional open knee surgery.

A patient will still feel some pain after surgery, which is part of the natural healing process. Medication is often prescribed to help minimize pain and manage inflammation as the patient recovers.

A patient will need to schedule a follow-up visit three days after surgery to check the progress and so the patient can begin a postoperative treatment program.

Schedule a Consultation with the Top Knee Arthroscopy Surgeon in Westchester Today

If you’re experiencing severe joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and discomfort, schedule an appointment with Dr. Russinoff today. During a consultation, the doctor will go over your medical history and assess your condition. He will discuss whether a knee scope surgery is the best treatment option, or whether you would be a better candidate for PRP therapy.

If the doctor determines that you will benefit from a knee arthroscopy surgery, then he will go over the procedure and discuss what you can expect in terms of pain, mobility, and recovery time.