You have probably heard knee arthroscopy described as a quick fix with small incisions. That reputation leads many people in Wauwatosa to ask whether it could solve their own knee pain. The truth is more specific. Arthroscopy works very well for certain problems and offers little benefit for others. Understanding the difference helps you ask better questions. This article explains when knee arthroscopy is typically recommended and when another approach may serve you better.
What Knee Arthroscopy Is Designed to Do
Knee arthroscopy allows a surgeon to look inside the joint with a small camera and treat certain problems through tiny incisions.1 It is best suited to structural problems inside the knee, meaning something torn, loose or damaged that can be repaired, removed or reconstructed. It is less helpful when pain comes from widespread wear throughout the joint.
Conditions Where Arthroscopy Is Often Recommended
Meniscus Tears With Mechanical Symptoms
The meniscus is a rubbery cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. A torn meniscus that causes catching, locking or the feeling that something is stuck in the joint is one of the most common reasons for arthroscopy.1,2 Depending on the tear, treatment may involve meniscus tear repair or a partial meniscectomy.
Loose Bodies and Cartilage Damage
Fragments of bone or cartilage can break free and drift inside the knee, causing sudden pain or locking. Arthroscopy is a common way to remove loose bodies and to address focal cartilage injuries.1
Ligament Injuries
When a torn anterior cruciate ligament leaves your knee unstable, ACL reconstruction is typically performed with arthroscopic assistance. Other conditions, such as an unstable kneecap, may also involve arthroscopy as part of treatment.1
When Arthroscopy May Not Be the Best Choice
Knee arthroscopy is generally not the right answer for pain caused mainly by osteoarthritis. When cartilage is worn throughout the joint, cleaning it out arthroscopically has limited benefit for most patients.3 If your symptoms stem from degenerative joint disease, you may do better with exercise, weight management, physical therapy, injections or bracing first.3 When arthritis is advanced, options such as partial knee replacement or total knee replacement surgery may be discussed.
Arthroscopy is also usually not the first step for a small, stable meniscus tear without mechanical symptoms. Many of these improve with rest and therapy.2
Questions That Help Determine If You Are a Candidate
During your evaluation, we look for a clear match between your symptoms, your examination and your imaging. These questions guide the decision:
- Does your knee catch, lock or give way, or is the pain more of a constant ache?
- Has nonsurgical care, such as therapy and activity changes, been tried?
- Does your MRI show a problem that arthroscopy can treat directly?
- How much arthritis is present in the joint?
- What activities do you want to return to?
When those answers line up, arthroscopy may offer meaningful relief. When they do not, recommending it would not serve you well.
It also helps to bring a list of what makes your knee worse, any prior treatments you have tried and copies of earlier imaging. Those details often make the difference between a vague picture and a clear one, and they help you and our team agree on a plan that matches the real source of your pain.
Evaluating Your Knee in Wauwatosa
When you see us, your care is guided by fellowship training in orthopaedic sports medicine at the University of South Florida and Florida Orthopaedic Institute, along with orthopaedic surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Our Mayfair office on North Mayfair Road makes it convenient to be seen if you live or work in Tosa, and our practice locations also include Glendale and Cedarburg.
Frequently Asked Questions About When Knee Arthroscopy Is Recommended
Who is a good candidate for knee arthroscopy?
You may be a good candidate if you have a specific structural problem, such as a meniscus tear with locking or catching, a loose body or a ligament injury. Your symptoms, examination and imaging should all point to the same issue.
Is knee arthroscopy recommended for arthritis?
Knee arthroscopy is generally not recommended when osteoarthritis is the main source of your pain. Nonsurgical treatments or joint replacement options are usually more appropriate.
Where can you be evaluated for knee arthroscopy in Wauwatosa?
You can be evaluated at our Wauwatosa office at 2500 North Mayfair Road. We also see patients in Glendale and Cedarburg.
Should you try physical therapy before knee arthroscopy?
For many knee problems, physical therapy is a reasonable first step. If your knee locks or is unstable, surgery may be discussed sooner.
What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is considered a low risk procedure, but complications such as infection, blood clots, stiffness or bleeding into the joint can occur. Your individual risks are reviewed with you before any decision.1
Getting Clear Answers About Your Knee in Wauwatosa
The right procedure starts with the right diagnosis. If you are unsure whether knee arthroscopy fits your situation, you can schedule a knee consultation at our Wauwatosa office and review your options in detail.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Knee Arthroscopy. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Meniscus Tears. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthritis of the Knee. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee/
Jake Bauwens, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with Wisconsin Bone and Joint who focuses on sports medicine and injuries of the knee and shoulder. Dr. Bauwens earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison and a medical degree at Rush Medical College. Dr. Bauwens then completed an internship and orthopedic residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a sports medicine fellowship at the University of South Florida and Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Bauwens sees patients at offices in Glendale, Wauwatosa and Cedarburg, serving communities across the Milwaukee area.
