What is an Arthroscope

An arthroscope (or scope) is a small flexible tool with a camera attached to the end that can be inserted through a small incision so the surgeon can see inside and around the knee. Using an arthroscope, your surgeon will be able to look on a screen at the joint and the surgical instruments so that the ligament(s) can be reconstructed without any large incisions.

When Procedure is Used

While some ligament injuries and tears may heal with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, others (and especially ACL tears) require surgery. Active athletes and younger patients are more likely to have their ACLs surgically reconstructed because they will recover more quickly as a result of the procedure.

During Surgery

You will most likely be given a general anesthesia to make sure you relax and to prevent pain and help you fall asleep. Your surgeon will then make small incisions, including one for the scope itself and additional incisions for the surgical instruments. After the torn ligament is removed, the replacement tendon will be secured inside the knee with hardware or another fixation method in order for new ligament tissue to grow along the graft.

Risks

The risk of complications is very low. However, potential risks might include

• allergic reactions to medications
• nerve damage
• bleeding or blood clots
• infection
• injury to surrounding tissues
• numbness

Benefits

• elimination of or decrease in pain
• improvement in knee function
• increase in strength