Advanced Knee Arthroscopy Treatment in Morgantown, WV
Minimally Invasive Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
Knee pain from a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or damaged cartilage can significantly limit your ability to walk, work, and enjoy your favorite activities. While many knee problems can be managed with non-surgical treatments, some conditions require a closer look. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows an orthopedic surgeon to see inside your knee joint, accurately diagnose the problem, and, in most cases, treat it at the same time. Using a tiny camera and specialized instruments, this technique avoids the large incisions of traditional open surgery, leading to less pain, a faster recovery, and a quicker return to your active life.
Since 1977, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been a leader in orthopedic care for Morgantown and North Central West Virginia. Our fellowship-trained knee specialists are among the best arthroscopic knee surgeons in the region, with extensive experience in these advanced procedures. In partnership with the state-of-the-art facilities at Mon Health Medical Center, we provide expert, compassionate care to help you overcome knee pain. We are committed to helping you heal and move towards a pain-free life.
If knee pain is holding you back, let our experts help. We provide faster access to appointments than many large hospital systems.
What is knee arthroscopy, and how does it work?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. The name comes from the Greek words "arthro" (joint) and "skopein" (to look). The procedure works by making a few very small incisions, or "portals," around the knee. Through one portal, the surgeon inserts an arthroscope—a thin instrument about the width of a pencil that contains a small lens and a fiber optic lighting system. This device projects a clear, magnified image of the inside of the knee onto a video monitor. Saline fluid is used to fill the joint, which helps the surgeon see more clearly. Through other small portals, the surgeon can insert specialized, miniature surgical instruments to perform the necessary repairs, such as trimming a torn meniscus, reconstructing a ligament, or removing loose pieces of cartilage.
What conditions can knee arthroscopy treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a versatile procedure used to treat a wide variety of common knee problems. One of the most frequent uses is for treating a torn meniscus, where the surgeon can either trim away the damaged portion (meniscectomy) or, in some cases, repair the tear. It is also the standard procedure for reconstructing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Other conditions effectively treated with knee arthroscopy include removal of inflamed synovial tissue, trimming damaged articular cartilage, removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint, and treatment of patella (kneecap) problems. While arthroscopy can be used to diagnose the extent of knee arthritis, it is not typically an effective treatment for the pain caused by widespread arthritis.
How do I know if I need knee arthroscopy?
The decision to have knee arthroscopy is made after a thorough evaluation by a knee orthopedic surgeon. You may be a candidate for the procedure if you have knee pain, swelling, locking, or instability that has not improved with conservative treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Your surgeon will perform a detailed physical examination, testing the stability and range of motion of your knee. Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosis. While X-rays can show bone issues, an MRI is usually ordered to get a detailed view of the soft tissues inside your knee, such as the meniscus, ligaments, and cartilage. If these tests indicate a mechanical problem like a significant meniscal tear or ligament injury, your surgeon will likely discuss knee arthroscopy as your best treatment option.
What is the recovery process like after knee arthroscopy?
The recovery process after knee arthroscopy is much faster than with traditional open knee surgery, but it still requires time and effort. Because the procedure is performed through small incisions, most patients can go home the same day. You will likely use crutches for a short period to keep weight off the knee. Managing pain and swelling with medication and ice is important in the first few days. Physical therapy is a key component of a successful recovery. A therapist will guide you through a specific rehabilitation program designed to restore your knee's range of motion, strength, and stability. The exact recovery timeline depends on the specific procedure performed. A simple meniscectomy might allow a return to most activities in a few weeks, while a more complex ligament reconstruction could take six months or more.
How much does knee arthroscopy cost?
The cost of knee arthroscopy can vary based on the specific procedure performed (e.g., a meniscectomy vs. an ACL reconstruction), your health insurance plan, and the facility fees for the hospital or outpatient surgery center. The total cost includes the knee orthopedic surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, and facility charges. As a medically necessary procedure to correct a functional problem within the knee, arthroscopy is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare. The knowledgeable administrative team at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates can help you understand your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your potential financial responsibility before your scheduled procedure.
More Questions About Knee Arthroscopy
Do I need a referral to see a knee specialist at MOA?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with one of our knee specialists. We offer direct access to our expert team, allowing you to get an evaluation for your knee pain without delay.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for knee arthroscopy?
At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, we are committed to seeing patients promptly. We can typically schedule new patient consultations much faster than larger hospital systems, ensuring you receive timely care for your knee injury.
What should I expect during a knee arthroscopy consultation?
During your consultation, a fellowship-trained knee surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and perform a thorough physical exam of your knee. They will review your X-rays and MRI to make an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will then explain all your treatment options, discuss whether you are a candidate for arthroscopy, and answer all your questions.
What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a very common and safe procedure, but like any surgery, it has potential risks. These include infection, blood clots in the leg, and stiffness in the knee. There is also a small risk of accidental damage to the cartilage, ligaments, or nerves inside the knee. Our highly experienced orthopedic surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you thoroughly before your surgery.