Are You a Good Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy in Little Rock?

In short,

• Knee arthroscopy in Little Rock, AR, is a minimally invasive procedure for various knee problems.
• Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery is typically faster than open surgery.
• Consult with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine if knee arthroscopy is right for you.

Knee arthroscopy in Little Rock, AR, is a minimally invasive surgical technique to diagnose and treat knee conditions. Surgeons view the knee joint through small incisions using a camera and instruments, resulting in less pain, smaller scars, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

Consider it if you have persistent knee pain or limited mobility.

Understanding Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy allows doctors to view the inside of the knee joint without a large incision. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through tiny incisions, projecting images onto a monitor.

Specialized instruments repair or remove damaged tissue, such as torn cartilage or loose bone fragments. This leads to less pain, reduced scarring, and faster recovery.

• Knee arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint through tiny incisions.
• Specialized instruments repair or remove damaged tissue.
• Commonly used for meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage.

Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy treats a range of knee conditions, including meniscus tears, ligament injuries (ACL and PCL), cartilage damage (including osteoarthritis), and loose bodies (fragments of cartilage or bone).

• Meniscus Tears: Arthroscopy can repair or remove torn meniscus cartilage.
• Ligament Injuries: ACL and PCL reconstruction can be performed arthroscopically.
• Cartilage Damage: Arthroscopy can address cartilage damage, including microfracture procedures.
• Loose Bodies: Removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments within the knee joint.

Causes and Risk Factors Leading to the Need for Arthroscopic Surgery

Common Causes of Knee Problems

Knee problems often result from sports injuries (ligament or meniscus tears), age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), and traumatic injuries (fractures, dislocations, or ligament damage).

• Sports Injuries: Sudden twists or impacts during sports can cause ligament tears or meniscus injuries.
• Age-Related Degeneration: Osteoarthritis can lead to cartilage breakdown and knee pain.
• Traumatic Injuries: Falls or direct blows to the knee can result in fractures or ligament damage.

Risk Factors for Knee Injuries

Risk factors include age, obesity, involvement in certain sports, and a history of previous knee injuries.

• Age: Older individuals are more prone to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on the knee joints.
• Certain Sports: High-impact sports increase the risk of knee injuries.
• Previous Knee Injuries: A history of knee injuries can increase the likelihood of future problems.

Symptoms and Warning Signs Indicating the Need for Knee Arthroscopy

Common Knee Symptoms

Symptoms that might mean you need knee arthroscopy include ongoing knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of locking or catching.

• Pain: Persistent knee pain, especially when active.
• Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint.
• Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
• Locking or Catching: A sensation of the knee locking or catching during movement.

When to Seek Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve, inability to put weight on your leg, a knee that looks deformed, or persistent swelling/stiffness that stops you from doing everyday activities.

• Severe pain that doesn’t get better with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
• Visible deformity of the knee joint.
• Persistent swelling or stiffness that interferes with daily activities.

Diagnosis and Testing for Knee Problems

Physical Examination

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam by an orthopedic surgeon to check your range of motion, stability, and pain levels. They may perform specific tests like the Lachman or McMurray test and feel around your knee to find any tender or swollen areas.

• A thorough physical examination by an orthopedic surgeon to assess range of motion, stability, and pain.
• Specific tests, such as the Lachman test (for ACL injuries) and the McMurray test (for meniscus tears).
• Palpation of the knee joint to identify areas of tenderness or swelling.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests help diagnose knee problems. X-rays show bone structures. MRI scans give detailed pictures of soft tissues. Ultrasound can evaluate tendons and ligaments.

• X-rays: To visualize bone structures and identify fractures or arthritis.
• MRI: To provide detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
• Ultrasound: Can be used to evaluate tendons and ligaments, and to guide injections.

Treatment Options and Management of Knee Conditions

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments include RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and injections (corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid).

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Initial treatment for many knee injuries.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
• Pain Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical options include knee arthroscopy, knee replacement (total or partial), and ligament reconstruction (like ACL reconstruction).

• Knee Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue.
• Knee Replacement: Total or partial knee replacement for severe arthritis.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Surgical repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments, such as the ACL.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Knees

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises include quadriceps exercises, hamstring exercises, and calf raises.

• Quadriceps Exercises: Leg extensions, squats, and lunges to strengthen the front of the thigh.
• Hamstring Exercises: Hamstring curls and bridges to strengthen the back of the thigh.
• Calf Raises: To strengthen the calf muscles, which support the knee.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, warming up and cooling down when you exercise, and gradually increasing activity levels.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can decrease stress on the knee joints.
• Proper Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support.
• Warm-up and Cool-down: Properly warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward.
• Avoid Overuse: Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse injuries.

Considering Knee Arthroscopy in Little Rock, AR

If knee pain or mobility issues interfere with your daily activities, knee arthroscopy in Little Rock, AR may help you regain comfort and function. This minimally invasive procedure can treat a wide range of conditions—from meniscus tears to cartilage damage—often allowing patients to return to work or sports within weeks.

Talk to our experienced orthopedic surgeon to determine whether arthroscopy is appropriate for you.

For expert care, call Brown Hefley Orthopedics at (800) 336-2412 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation.

Early evaluation and treatment can relieve pain, prevent further damage, and help you get back to the activities you love.