Arthroscopy is used to find and treat many types of knee problems. These include:
-
Meniscal cartilage tears
-
Articular cartilage injuries
-
Knee loose bodies
-
Ligament tears, such as ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears
Meniscal cartilage tears
There are several types of meniscal cartilage tears. The meniscal cartilage is attached to the tibia (shinbone). It acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Your surgery will depend on the type and extent of your injury. Your surgeon can remove the damaged tissue or fix the tear. Treatment should ease the pain and swelling. It can also help keep the joint from locking.
Articular cartilage injuries
The ends of the femur and tibia and the back of the patella are covered with articular cartilage. Healthy articular cartilage makes the knee joint easier to move. Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear. In many cases, people who have joint injuries, such as meniscus tears or ligament tears, will also have cartilage damage. You may have pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Your surgery will depend on the type and extent of your injury. Treatment options may include removing loose or damaged cartilage, fixing or restoring damaged cartilage, replacing damaged cartilage, or creating tiny holes in the bone beneath the damaged cartilage. This is to stimulate the growth of new cartilage.
Knee loose bodies
Loose bodies in the knee are small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float around in the joint space. They can be caused by injury, overuse or repetitive stress, and arthritis. You may have pain, swelling, stiffness, and a feeling of catching or locking in the knee. Your surgery will depend on the type and extent of your injury. Your surgeon can remove the loose bodies.
ACL tears
A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) can make the knee unstable. You may have pain and swelling, and your knee may give out. Your surgeon can repair the ACL by reconstructing it. To rebuild your ACL, damaged tissue may be replaced with a graft of healthy tissue from an area near your knee, or from a donor.
Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health
Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.
Explore Services
Get Health Tips & Updates
Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.
SubscribeRelated Articles
Hip Arthroscopy: Labral Tears
Arthroscopy can be used to repair tears in the strong, flexible ring of cartilage attached to the edge of the hip socket, called the labrum.
Splints and Casts
Splints and casts are used to help support and protect a variety of bone and soft tissue injuries. They keep an injured area from moving.
Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. Learn more about the surgery, including why you might need it, what the risks are, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after the surgery.
Femur Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken femur. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
Find A Doctor
Make an Appointment
Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location
Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.
Find Urgent Care
