Knee arthroscopy is the most common surgical procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons. A celebrated treatment by both patients and doctors alike, knee arthroscopy allows the surgeon to repair damage to joints, torn ligaments and cartilage in a procedure that requires less recovery time an open surgery.
Commonly associated with sports-related injuries, knee arthroscopy is a procedure that Dr. Thomas Brown III, M.D., has performed on hundreds of athletes, from football players to basketball players. Knee injuries are common, especially at high-level sports and activities, and often result from a damaged or torn meniscus or ligament. Minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery lets athletes do what they do best: get back to normal activity as quickly as possible.
As an added benefit, there is much less scarring in knee arthroscopy because the Orthopedic Surgeon uses much smaller instruments that make small incisions (about 4 mm) compared to traditional instruments. Before the procedure, a trained anesthesiologist will perform local, regional or general anesthesia, depending on the method best for you. The arthroscopic procedure itself will just take thirty minutes to an hour, depending on your diagnosis and treatment. After the procedure, you’ll be taken to the recovery room, and after an hour or two you’ll be able to go home. Be sure someone is there to drive you home.
Although knee arthroscopy promises a speedy recovery, it is important to follow the recommendations of your doctor and physical therapists at Benchmark Physical Therapy and Chattanooga Center for Joint Replacement and Orthopedics. After the knee arthroscopy, there will be swelling, which can take up to three weeks before it settles. You must not do any exercise until we say it’s alright to do so or until the swelling goes completely away. While in most cases you’ll be able to return to your normal activities after 6 to 8 weeks, it is important to make sure you’ve been cleared by Dr. Brown and the CCJRO staff before you get back to your regular sports activities or exercise routine.
Common Knee Problems
Many knee problems result from an injury to one (or more) of the four major ligaments in the knee. In contact sports, such as soccer or football, a blow to the outside of the knee can cause a tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be injured by changing direction rapidly, slowing down in a sprint, jumping, or missing a step. Other possible causes of a knee injury include torn cartilage or damage to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
If you have injured your knee or you feel consistent pain in the knee, seek treatment from CCJRO. Depending on the damage in the knee joint, Dr. Brown will provide a solution that gets you back on the field or in the gym in optimal time. At CCJRO, we specialize in excellent surgical results and an optimal patient recovery experience. Our priority is your safety, health, and comfort.