Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure in which a joint (arthro-) is
viewed (-scopy) using a small camera. The entire surgery is done through
small incisions. During the procedure, Dr. Beyer inserts the arthroscope
(a small camera instrument about the size of a pencil) into your knee
joint. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor. On the
monitor, your surgeon can see the structures of the knee in great detail.
Dr. Beyer uses arthroscipic surgery for the repair of most ligament and
cartilage knee injuries. Most all arthroscopic surgery is performed on
an out-patient basis and does not require a hospital stay. Patients generally
go home 1-2 hours after surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is often associated
with reduced recovery time and an increase in the rate of surgical success
due to less trauma to the connective tissues.
Technical advances have led to high definition monitors and high resolution
cameras. These and other improvements have made arthroscopy a very effective
tool for treating knee problems. According to the American Orthopaedic
Society for Sports Medicine, more than 4 million knee arthroscopies are
performed worldwide each year.