What is arthroscopy of joint?

Overview. Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-kuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision — about the size of a buttonhole. The view inside your joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor.

What is knee surgery called?

Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap.

What is an example of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera to look within a joint, rather than opening it completely.

What is a meniscectomy?

Surgery Overview. Meniscectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a torn meniscus. A meniscus tear is a common knee joint injury. Surgeons who perform meniscectomies (orthopedic surgeons) will make surgical decisions based on the meniscus’s ability to heal as well as your age, health, and activity level.

What can go wrong with knee arthroscopy?

The risks and complications associated with arthroscopic knee surgery include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, persistent swelling and stiffness, heart attack, and stroke.

Can you walk right after arthroscopic knee surgery?

If necessary due to pain, patients may opt to use crutches or a walker for a few days after surgery. Once more comfortable, most people are able to walk with a minimal limp within one or two weeks after surgery. Most patients realize a benefit from arthroscopic knee surgery within 4 to 6 weeks.

Does an arthroscopy hurt?

Pain is quite common, most often in the area where you had pain before surgery, in the soft tissues below the knee cap, over the athroscopy wounds and occasionally the whole knee. The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks.

Can I bend my knee after meniscectomy?

You may start bending your knee as tolerated, the sooner the better. 2. BANDAGES: Your bandage may be removed 2 days following surgery. The knee should then be re-wrapped with only the elastic bandage for about 3-4 days or until swelling is gone.

How is arthroscopic surgery used to treat knee pain?

Arthroscopic knee surgery may be a treatment option for certain types of knee pain. Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure that involves inserting a small camera inside the joint. Through other small incisions, instruments can be inserted to repair or remove damaged structures.

How big is the incision for knee arthroscopy?

During an average knee arthroscopy, a small fiberoptic camera (the arthroscope) is inserted into the joint through a small incision, about 4 mm (1/8 inch) long. More incisions might be performed in order to visually check other parts of the knee and to insert the miniature instruments that are used to perform surgical procedures.

What are the codes for arthroscopic knee procedures?

However, if debridement or shaving of articular cartilage is performed in one compartment of the knee and a meniscectomy is performed in a different compartment of the knee, then codes 29877, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), and 29881 should be reported. (CPT® Assistant April 2005; page 14)

What kind of camera is used for knee arthroscopy?

During the procedure, your surgeon will make a very small incision and insert a tiny camera — called an arthroscope — into your knee. This allows them to view the inside of the joint on a screen.