Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy Surgeon in Fairfax, Arlington, VA
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed on patients suffering from various knee conditions like torn meniscus, torn anterior cruciate ligament, inflamed synovial tissue, damaged articular cartilage, loose fragments of bone or cartilage, patella (kneecap) problems, knee sepsis (infection), etc. Dr. Najarian provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Fairfax, Arlington, VA. Dr. Najarian also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Najarian’s office for an appointment today!
Knee Arthroscopy in Fairfax and Arlington, VA
Knee pain, swelling, locking, or instability can interfere with walking, exercise, and everyday activities. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain knee problems, including meniscus tears, ligament injuries, loose cartilage fragments, and other conditions affecting the joint. When nonsurgical treatments are insufficient, arthroscopic surgery may help address the underlying problem and improve knee function. Dr. Robert Najarian, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, provides evaluation and treatment for knee injuries in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia. Treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient's diagnosis, activity level, and recovery goals.
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure performed using an arthroscope, a viewing instrument, to diagnose or treat a knee problem. It is a relatively safe procedure, and you will usually be discharged from the hospital on the same day of surgery.
What is the Anatomy of the Knee?
The knee joint is one of the most complex joints of the body. The lower end of the thighbone (femur) meets the upper end of the shinbone (tibia) at the knee joint. A small bone called the patella (kneecap) rests on a groove on the front of the femoral end. Another bone of the lower leg (fibula) forms a joint with the shinbone.
To allow smooth and painless motion of the knee joint, articular surfaces of these bones are covered with a shiny white slippery articular cartilage. Two C-shaped cartilaginous menisci are present in between the femoral end and the tibial end.
Menisci act as shock absorbers, providing cushion to the joints. They also play an important role in providing stability and load-bearing to the knee joint.
Bands of tissue, including the cruciate and collateral ligaments, keep the different bones of the knee joint together and provide stabilization to the joint. Surrounding muscles are connected to the knee bones by tendons. The bones work together with the muscles and tendons to provide mobility to the knee joint. The whole knee joint is covered by a ligamentous capsule, which further stabilizes the joint. This ligamentous capsule is also lined with a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid for lubrication.
Robert Najarian, M.D.
Dr. Najarian is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. With additional fellowship training in sports medicine and more than 18 years of experience, he specializes in treating the knee, shoulder, and elbow, as well as all sports-related injuries. His area of focus is in the treatment of knee cartilage and ligamentous injury, shoulder instability and rotator cuff repair, and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete (Tommy John Surgery). He has been named a Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2016.
What are the Indications for Knee Arthroscopy?
The knee joint is vulnerable to a variety of injuries. The most common knee problems where knee arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment are:
- Torn meniscus
- Torn or damaged cruciate ligament
- Torn pieces of articular cartilage
- Inflamed synovial tissue
- Misalignment of the patella
- Baker’s cyst: a fluid-filled cyst that develops at the back of the knee due to the accumulation of synovial fluid. It commonly occurs with knee conditions such as meniscal tear, knee arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Certain fractures of the knee bones
What is the Procedure for Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is performed under local, spinal or general anesthesia.
- Your surgeon makes two or three small incisions around the knee.
- Next, a sterile saline solution is injected into the knee to push apart the various internal structures and provide a clear view and more room for your surgeon to work.
- An arthroscope, a narrow tube with a tiny video camera on the end, is inserted through one of the incisions to view the knee joint. The structures inside the knee are visible to your surgeon on a video monitor in the operating room.
- Your surgeon first examines the structures inside the knee joint to assess the cause of the problem.
- Once a diagnosis is made, surgical instruments such as scissors, motorized shavers, or lasers are inserted through another small incision, and the repair is performed based on the diagnosis.
The repair procedure may include any of the following:
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
- Reconstruction or repair of a torn cruciate ligament
- Removal of small torn pieces of articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bones
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Removal of Baker’s cyst
- Realignment of the patella
- Making small holes or microfractures near damaged cartilage to stimulate cartilage growth
After the repair, the knee joint is carefully examined for bleeding or any other damage. The saline is then drained from the knee joint. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips, and the knee is covered with a sterile dressing.
What Does Postoperative Care for Knee Arthroscopy Involve?
You are most often discharged on the same day of your knee arthroscopy. Pain medicines are prescribed to manage pain. Crutches or a knee brace may be recommended for several weeks. A rehabilitation program may also be advised for a successful recovery. Therapeutic exercises aim to restore motion and strengthen the muscles of the leg and knee.
What Does Recovery after Knee Arthroscopy Involve?
Recovery after the surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Recovery from simple procedures is often fast. Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than that from an open knee surgery.
What are the Risks and Complications of Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure; complications are very rare. Complications specific to knee arthroscopy include bleeding in the knee joint, infection, knee stiffness, blood clots or continuing knee problems.
Why Choose Dr. Najarian for Knee Arthroscopy in Fairfax and Arlington, VA?
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Expertise: Dr. Najarian is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, with expertise in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal injuries.
- Specialized Sports Medicine Training: His fellowship training at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health supports his approach to managing knee injuries and sports-related conditions.
- Individualized Treatment Planning: Recommendations consider the type and severity of the knee injury, symptoms, activity demands, and response to nonsurgical treatments.
- Focus on Mobility and Function: Treatment aims to address the underlying cause of knee symptoms and help patients work toward improved movement, stability, and activity tolerance.
- Convenient Northern Virginia Locations: Patients can access orthopedic and sports medicine care at Inova Sports Medicine locations in Fairfax and Arlington.
Knee Arthroscopy FAQs
Knee arthroscopy may be used to diagnose or treat meniscus tears, certain ligament injuries, loose cartilage or bone fragments, inflamed synovial tissue, and some problems involving the kneecap. The procedure may also be used for selected cartilage injuries. Whether arthroscopy is appropriate depends on the specific condition and its severity.
Knee arthroscopy is generally less invasive than traditional open surgery because it uses small incisions and a camera to examine and treat the joint. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. The complexity of the surgery and recovery requirements depend on the treatment performed.
Recovery depends on the condition being treated and the procedure performed. After a straightforward procedure, some patients resume many normal activities within a few weeks. Meniscus repairs and ligament reconstruction generally require longer rehabilitation, potentially lasting several months. Your surgeon will provide a recovery plan based on your specific procedure.
Physical therapy may be recommended to restore knee motion, rebuild strength, improve balance, and support a safe return to daily activities or sports. The timing and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the procedure performed. Following your prescribed exercise program can help support recovery.
Potential complications include infection, bleeding within the joint, blood clots, stiffness, injury to surrounding structures, and persistent symptoms. Although serious complications are uncommon, individual risks vary depending on your health and the procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon can explain the risks and appropriate precautions before surgery.
Knee arthroscopy may be considered when symptoms such as persistent pain, locking, swelling, or instability are caused by a condition that can benefit from surgical treatment, particularly when appropriate nonsurgical care has not helped. An orthopedic evaluation, which may include imaging, can help determine whether arthroscopy is appropriate or another treatment would be more beneficial.
Schedule a Knee Arthroscopy Consultation in Fairfax or Arlington, VA
Persistent knee pain or restricted movement can make it difficult to stay active and enjoy everyday activities. If you are experiencing knee symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment, Dr. Robert Najarian provides orthopedic and sports medicine care at Inova Sports Medicine in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, review appropriate treatment options, and determine whether knee arthroscopy may help address your knee condition and improve your mobility.
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about knee arthroscopy, please contact Dr. Najarian, serving the communities of Fairfax, Arlington, VA.
