The arthroscope is an instrument used to look directly into joints. This makes it useful for both diagnosis and treatment. The arthroscope contains magnifying lenses and caoted glass fibers that beam an intense, cool light into the joint. A camera attacted to the acrthroscope allows your surgeon to see a clear image of most areas of your knee joint (98%)on a monitor.
At the beginning of the procedure, you will receive antibiotics and an anesthetic. Depending on what anesthetic you choose it will make you sleep(general anesthesia) or numb you from your waist down(spinal anesthesia). The surgeon will then make a few incisions (portals) in your knee, about 3 or 4. Sterile fliud is inserted through one portal to expand your knee joint.This makes it easier to see and work inside your joint. After inserting the arthroscope through another portal, your sugreon confirms the type and degree of knee damage. Whenever possible, your surgeoin treats your knee during Arthroscopy, using surgical instruments such as shavers and lasers.
