Knee pain or swelling in one or both of the knees can be attributed to a number of conditions. The cause must be diagnosed before treatment can be recommended. This is where arthroscopy plays its role, and the team at the office of Peter A. Matsuura, M.D. in Hilo, HI, explains what you need to know.

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems related to any type of joint, but is most often conducted on patients suffering from chronic knee pain. A tiny camera called an arthroscope, is inserted into the knee, which allows the doctor to view the inside of the joint on a screen.  This procedure allows the doctor to view the knee joint without making a large incision.

Who Needs Arthroscopy?

Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic arthroscopic procedure so that he or she can see your joint in greater detail.  In some cases, the doctor may have already come up with a diagnosis, and recommends arthroscopic surgery to repair the problem, whether its a torn cartilage, tendon or ligament.  Because the repairs are made using tiny arthroscopic instruments recovery time and is shortened and joint stiffness is reduced.   

What Occurs During the Procedure?

First, the doctor will give you some form of anesthesia, whether local, just around the knee area, or general, in which you will be put to sleep. They will then make various incisions into the knee to insert the arthroscope and examine the inside of the joint. The images can be seen on a monitor in the operating room. After the problem has been diagnosed, the doctor may choose to treat it at that moment, or close the cut with stitches and recommend a follow-up procedure.

If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain and need to schedule a arthroscopy procedure, you want to see a surgeon you can count on for top-quality care. Residents throughout the Hilo, HI, area turn to Peter A. Matsuura, M.D. His leading sports medicine clinic offers a wide range of orthopedic procedures to help patients recover quickly and fully. Call (808) 969-3331 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.