Arthroscopy of the Knee
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.
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
Three bones make up the knee: The femur, the tibia, and the patella. They are cushioned at their juncture by articular cartilage, which allows the bones to work together smoothly.
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 surgery .
Knee Complications
Properly functioning knees operate smoothly; however, most knees wear out eventually. The knee is in almost constant use in most of the activities of daily living. Over time sports, injuries, weakening tissues, work, aging and arthritis begin to wear the knee down. When this happens, the result is loss of function along with a fair measure of pain.
Arthroscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions:
Chondromalacia: Softened articular cartilage and/or damaged joint surfaces.
Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.
Patellar instability and misalignment.
Arthroscopy can locate these problems.
Damaged meniscal cartilage.
Loose and fragmented cartilage and bone.
Damaged cruciate ligaments (both posterior and anterior).
Arthroscopy is extremely useful to the orthopedic surgeon in locating and assessing all of these knee problems. The use of the modern technology helps todays orthopedic surgeon deliver efficient and effective treatment.
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
Three bones make up the knee: The femur, the tibia, and the patella. They are cushioned at their juncture by articular cartilage, which allows the bones to work together smoothly.
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 surgery .
Knee Complications
Properly functioning knees operate smoothly; however, most knees wear out eventually. The knee is in almost constant use in most of the activities of daily living. Over time sports, injuries, weakening tissues, work, aging and arthritis begin to wear the knee down. When this happens, the result is loss of function along with a fair measure of pain.
Arthroscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating a number of conditions:
Chondromalacia: Softened articular cartilage and/or damaged joint surfaces.
Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.
Patellar instability and misalignment.
Arthroscopy can locate these problems.
Damaged meniscal cartilage.
Loose and fragmented cartilage and bone.
Damaged cruciate ligaments (both posterior and anterior).
Arthroscopy is extremely useful to the orthopedic surgeon in locating and assessing all of these knee problems. The use of the modern technology helps todays orthopedic surgeon deliver efficient and effective treatment.
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, Portland ACL Surgery and Portland Athletic Injuries.