Last updated: 11/24/2009

Disease and injury can damage joints, ligaments, cartilage, and bone surfaces. Because the knee carries most of the weight of the body, this damage occurs almost inevitably as people age, due to sports injuries and through accidents.

The diagnosis...

of knee injuries or damage includes a medical history, physical examination, x rays, and the additional, more detailed imaging techniques with MRI or CT scan. Severe or chronic pain and/or knee instability initially brings the patient to an orthopedic physician. From there, the decision is made for surgery or for rehabilitation. Factors that influence the decision for surgery are the likelihood for repair and recovery of function, the patient's health and age, and, most importantly, the willingness of the patient to consider changes in lifestyle, especially as this relates to sport activity. Arthroscopic viewing is the most accurate tool for diagnosis, as well as for some repairs. The surgeon may provide only a provisional diagnosis until the actual surgery but will apprise the patient of the most likely course the surgery will take.

Arthroscopic surgery can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthetic. The type used depends largely upon the severity of damage, the level of pain after surgery, patient wishes, and patient health. The surgery is brief, less than two hours. After closing the incisions, the leg will be wrapped tightly and the patient is taken to recovery. For most same-day surgeries, individuals are allowed to leave once the anesthetic effects have worn off. Patients are not allowed to drive. Arrangements for pick up after surgery are mandated.

Unlike open surgery, arthroscopic surgery generally does not require a hospital stay. Patients usually go home the same day. Any crutches or canes required prior to surgery will be needed after surgery. Follow-up visits will be scheduled within about a week, at which point dressings will be removed.