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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Using Arthroscopy to Diagnose & Treat Knee Problems

By Dr. Richard Edelson

Arthro is joint in Latin. Scopy is view. Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees.

Modern arthroscopes and high resolution cameras make arthroscopy a very effective procedure for accurate diagnosis and correct treatment of knee disorders.

The Parts of the Knee

The knee is made up of three bones: The patella, the tibia, and the femur. The juncture of these bones is cushioned by articular cartilage, which allows them to move easily.

Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.

The largest joint in the body, the knee is (as stated) made up of three bones. The upper end of the shin bone, or tibia, supports the lower end of the thigh bone, or femur. There is a groove in the end of the femur that the patella, or kneecap, slides along. Strong ligaments between the femur and tibia support the structure. The thighs large muscle provides strength.

Click here for more on knee arthroscopy .

Knee Complications

When knees are healthy, they function smoothly; however, knees take a beating every day. They are used almost constantly as we go about our daily tasks. After a while, the knees become worn by work, sports, injuries, aging, arthritis, and general weakening of the tissues. The result is pain and a general loss of function.

With arthroscopy, a number of conditions can be diagnosed and treated:

Chondromalacia, which is the softening of articular cartilage and/or damage to joint surfaces.

Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.

The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.

Arthroscopy can locate these problems.

Meniscal cartilage can become torn.

Bone and cartilage can become fragmented and loose.

Damaged cruciate ligaments (both posterior and anterior).

Using arthroscopy, these problems can be located and assessed. This tool is extremely helpful to orthopedic surgeons. Using arthroscopy, diagnosis becomes more accurate and easier. This, in turn, makes treatment more effective and efficient. - 17269

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