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New Orleans Orthopedic Institute
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Slidell, LA & Metairie, LA
If you regularly experience knee pain, you might benefit from a diagnostic procedure like knee arthroscopy. Orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Brian Kindl, MD, and the team at New Orleans Shoulder Institute in Metairie, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana, proudly offer knee arthroscopy, both for diagnostics and orthopedic surgery. To see if you’re a candidate for knee arthroscopy, request an appointment today by calling the office nearest you or using the online booking tool.
Knee Arthroscopy Q & A
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat problems affecting the knee joint.
During knee arthroscopy, Dr. Kindl makes a small incision at the top of your knee. He pushes a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, through the incision that broadcasts 3D images to a digital monitor. This allows Dr. Kindl to view the inside of your knee joint on-screen.
Knee arthroscopy is both safe and effective. The procedure presents very few risks and encourages a faster, more efficient recovery process.
Why would I need a knee arthroscopy?
There are several reasons Dr. Kindl might recommend knee arthroscopy. This procedure helps diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and allows Dr. Kindl to formulate a custom treatment plan.
Dr. Kindl regularly uses knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat an array of knee-related health problems, including:
- Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
- Swollen synovium
- Knee fractures
- Torn meniscus
- Misplaced patella
You might also benefit from knee arthroscopy if you have arthritis of the knee or if there are pieces of torn cartilage loose between your joint.
What happens during a knee arthroscopy?
Dr. Kindl and the team at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute usually perform knee arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure. To conduct knee arthroscopy, they utilize the cutting-edge Mako robotic surgeon.
Before your operation, Dr. Kindl administers a local anesthetic, numbing your knee and leg. After the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Kindl makes a small cut in your knee and inserts the arthroscope through it.
After locating the source of your discomfort with the camera, Dr. Kindl may insert a series of small surgical tools into the incisions to correct the issue. Following surgery, Dr. Kindl drains any remaining saline from your joint and carefully stitches it up. The whole process typically takes less than an hour.
What is recovery like following knee arthroscopy?
Following knee arthroscopy, Dr. Kindl provides you with a list of recovery instructions. He also gives you prescription antibiotics and painkillers. In the first few days after your surgery, it’s important to rest and apply ice to your knee. You should also take your medications as prescribed.
A few days after your procedure, you return to New Orleans Orthopedic Institute. During this appointment, Dr. Kindl checks your progress and develops a recovery plan that includes physical therapy.
If you’re interested in learning more about knee arthroscopy, make an appointment at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute today by calling the office nearest you or using the online booking tool.
