Basics of Knee Arthroscopy
Arthro is joint in Latin. Scopy is view. Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees.
Using high resolution cameras and state of the art arthroscopes, this technique is extremely effective in diagnosing and treating knee disorders.
The Parts 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.
Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.
The three bones that make up the largest joint in the body are the shin bone (tibia), thigh bone (femur) and knee cap (patella). The entire structure is held together by ligaments that run between the tibia and femur. The patella moves along a groove in the end of the femur. The strong muscle of the thigh provides support and stability.
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.
Arthroscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions:
When the articular cartilage is softened and/or the surfaces of the joints are damaged, it is called chondromalacia.
When rheumatoid or gouty arthritis is present and the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, it is called crystalline arthropathy.
The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.
Arthroscopy can locate these problems.
Meniscal cartilage can become torn.
Bone and cartilage can become fragmented and loose.
Posterior and anterior damaged cruciate ligaments can be diagnosed.
With arthroscopy, all of these problems can be clearly seen and diagnosed. Arthroscopy is an extremely helpful tool to the orthopedic surgeon. It makes diagnosis much easier and more definite, thereby making treatment more efficient and effective.
Using high resolution cameras and state of the art arthroscopes, this technique is extremely effective in diagnosing and treating knee disorders.
The Parts 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.
Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.
The three bones that make up the largest joint in the body are the shin bone (tibia), thigh bone (femur) and knee cap (patella). The entire structure is held together by ligaments that run between the tibia and femur. The patella moves along a groove in the end of the femur. The strong muscle of the thigh provides support and stability.
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.
Arthroscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions:
When the articular cartilage is softened and/or the surfaces of the joints are damaged, it is called chondromalacia.
When rheumatoid or gouty arthritis is present and the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, it is called crystalline arthropathy.
The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.
Arthroscopy can locate these problems.
Meniscal cartilage can become torn.
Bone and cartilage can become fragmented and loose.
Posterior and anterior damaged cruciate ligaments can be diagnosed.
With arthroscopy, all of these problems can be clearly seen and diagnosed. Arthroscopy is an extremely helpful tool to the orthopedic surgeon. It makes diagnosis much easier and more definite, thereby making treatment more efficient and effective.
About the Author:
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Vancouver SLAP Tears and Knee Doctors in Portland.