Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery can repair damage inside your knee joint using small incisions and a quicker recovery than open surgery. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon R. Jeff Grondel, MD, routinely performs arthroscopic knee surgery at Ridgeline Orthopedics in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and supports you throughout your recovery. Schedule your surgical consultation online or over the phone at Ridgeline Orthopedics today.

What is arthroscopic knee surgery?

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a method Dr. Grondel uses to treat a variety of tendon and ligament injuries inside the knee joint. Each of your knees has a network of ligaments and tendons that not only help you move the joint backward and forward but also stabilize the joint, so it doesn’t move in the wrong direction. 

During arthroscopic knee surgery, Dr. Grondel repairs damaged or torn ligaments or tendons using very small tools with guidance from a camera called an arthroscope. That allows him to use small incisions instead of a single large one because the camera lets him visualize the inside of the joint without fully opening it. 

Thanks to the smaller incisions of knee arthroscopy versus open surgery, you can enjoy less recovery time, less scarring, and a lower overall risk of surgical complications. 

When might I need arthroscopic knee surgery?

The strong bands of tissue inside your knee can incur injuries during sports. Trauma inside the knee can also be due to trips and falls, car accidents, workplace accidents, and other occurrences. Some of the injuries that most commonly need arthroscopic knee surgery include:

• Meniscus tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
• Cartilage defects and injuries
• Dislocated patella (kneecap)
• Certain bone fractures in the knee

These knee injuries tend to happen very suddenly and cause immediate pain and dysfunction. You might not be able to stand up after your knee injury. When you’re aware of a knee injury, seek medical attention immediately. 

How should I prepare for arthroscopic knee surgery?

Dr. Grondel evaluates you at Ridgeline Orthopedics to get a sense of the severity of your knee injury and plan the repairs he’ll make during arthroscopic knee surgery. He gives you important instructions to follow in the days and weeks leading up to your operation. 

Before arthroscopic knee surgery, Dr. Grondel advises you to:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Stop smoking
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Avoid eating and drinking for 6-12 hours before the surgery
• Take medications with only a small sip of water on the day of your surgery

After surgery, expect to continue your recovery with physical therapy and other personalized care.

Call Ridgeline Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today to see if you need arthroscopic knee surgery for your injury.