Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Overview by Robert A. Kayal, NJ Orthopedic Surgeon

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. - March 13, 2013 - PRLog -- Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery pertains to orthopedic surgery that is performed using a minimally invasive approach without cutting through any tendons or muscle. This allows the joint replacement to be done as an outpatient, so patients return home the same day as surgery!

Many injuries to the knee joint are treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical method that utilizes a camera to look inside the knee joint, along with specialized instruments to carry out any necessary surgery in that joint.  Arthroscopy can be performed on tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial lateral ligament (also referred as lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and lateral collateral ligament.

What is an ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a major knee ligament that helps to stabilize the knee during activities like pivoting, cutting and turning. ACL injuries often occur during sports or dynamic movement when a twisting force is applied to the knee. Orthopedic patients who injure their ACL may experience pain, instability, swelling, reduced range of motion—and a general sensation of their knee “giving out.” Those sustaining an ACL tear generally require some type of surgical treatment, physical therapy or knee bracing.

Treatment of ACL Injuries

A skilled orthopedic surgeon will examine your injury and medical history to determine whether you require minimally invasive ACL surgery. If surgery is not required, your surgeon will recommend other ACL treatments, including physical therapy, home exercises and prescribed knee supports.

What is an LCL tear?

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a thin band that runs along the outside of the knee and connects the thighbone (femur) to the fibula, which is the small bone that runs down the side of the knee and connects to the ankle. Similar to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the LCL’s primary function is to stabilize the knee as it moves.

The most common symptoms of an LCL tear are pain, stiffness, swelling and tenderness along the outside part of the knee. Your knee may feel loose, as though it will give way under stress, or it may lock. More severe tears can cause numbness or weakness in the foot, which occurs in the peroneal nerve (located near the LCL) if it is stretched at the time of injury or squeezed by swelling of the surrounding tissues.

Is surgery necessary?

LCL tears are graded or rated 1, 2, or 3. Grade I is bruised ligament with no instability. Grade II injuries have mild to moderate instability and represent partial or incomplete tears. Treatment on grade I and Grade II injuries are the same – iice, ace, anti inflammatory medication, early motion especially stationary cycling. Many people use an immobilizer brace for 1 – 2 weeks for walking. . Grade III injuries are very unstable and are often associated with other injuries. These should be evaluated by an MD.  

About Kayal Orthopaedic Center, P.C. (http://www.kayalortho.com)

With convenient office locations in Ridgewood, NJ and Franklin Lakes, NJ, the board-certified sports medicine surgeons at Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC treat patients with knee injuries who reside in Essex County, Bergen County, Hudson County and Passaic County. Learn more about tendinitis treatment and our NJ sports medicine practice from our patient information center at http://www.kayalortho.com/patient-education/, or contact us at http://www.njsportsmedicinedoctors.com/contact to schedule a consultation.