Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint. The benefits of arthroscopy involve smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.
Benefits of surgery include:
- Minimally invasive
- Small incisions
- Quicker recovery
We Specialize in the Following Procedures & Treatments
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure located in the centre of the knee running from the femur to the tibia. When this ligament tears unfortunately it doesn’t heal and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee.
Sometimes the ACL is injured with other ligaments, and we will treat those ligaments:
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed surgical procedure and with recent advances in arthroscopic surgery can now be performed with minimal incisions and low complication rates.
For more information:
Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus tear is the most common knee injury, and can be either acute or chronic. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee, and if it is torn, it can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, catching, and/or locking. Sometimes if the tear is small, nonsurgical treatment such as injections and physical therapy may be sufficient. If surgery is required, it is usually done arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera and instruments inserted through 2-3 small incisions to either repair the damaged meniscus or remove the torn portion if it is determined to be irreparable. Care is always taken to preserve as much meniscus as possible.
Patella Instability Treatment
Some people can have instability of the kneecap (where the knee cap pops in and out of place) which leads to chronic pain and decreased function. This can be due to a trauma that dislocated the patella versus chronic instability that did not have a trauma. Usually the latter is due to an abnormality in the patellofemoral structure. Instability can be treated with physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stability braces, but sometimes surgery is required. Surgery can be as small as a minor arthroscopic procedure to clean out loose bodies, repair or reconstruction of the ligaments that hold the patella in place, or more extensive realignment procedures.
Knee Preservation
Osteoarthritis is typically caused by degenerative wear and tear over time. Unfortunately, sometimes a severe injury or deformity can cause arthritis to develop early or in isolated areas of the knee. In order to avoid doing a total knee replacement, an osteotomy may be an option to preserve a patient’s own joint by realigning the knee. This can transfer pressure from the arthritic part of the knee to a healthy part of the knee to decrease pain and increase function, as well as put off a knee replacement for several years. Another option may be a partial knee replacement, which is a resurfacing of only the area that has arthritis. There is minimal bone taken when compared to a total knee replacement, and the remaining portion of the knee is preserved.
Cartilage Defects
Cartilage is smooth, white tissue at the end of two bones that come together to make a joint. It provides a smooth surface so the joint can glide. Cartilage can wear and tear slowly over time, which is called osteoarthritis. Sometimes, however, an isolated area of the cartilage can become damaged, usually in a trauma. Since cartilage does not heal on its own, it needs to be replaced. There are several different techniques: microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation. Dr. Ranawat can discuss different options and recommend the best procedure for you.
Pre-Op & Post-Op Course
Pre-Op Course
Most procedures are outpatient procedures. A clearance may or may not be needed based on your medical history. If one is required, this may be done by you PCP, and we will provide you with what tests are necessary. This must be done within 28 days prior to your surgery date.
We recommend stopping use of all anti-inflammatory, fish oil supplements, and other blood thinning medications one week prior to surgery. Your clearing doctor will make recommendations regarding other prescription medications.
Post-Op Course
Most knee procedures are outpatient and you will be going home at the end of the day. You will receive crutch education prior to your release. For most procedures we recommend beginning Physical Therapy within three to five days. You will be given a packet containing PT prescriptions and home instructions at discharge time.
Typical office follow up is ten to fourteen days after surgery, except for meniscus surgery which is six weeks. Generally meniscus surgery require minimal crutch time and recovery time, reconstruction surgeries require an average of four to six weeks use of crutches. Most patients will begin a light Jogging program three to four months after surgery and resume full sport activities at six months to eight months. For meniscus surgeries patients typically resume full sport activities in six to eight weeks.