Knee Arthroscopy

The knee is a hinge joint formed by the femur and tibia. The patella (knee cap) glides against the front of the femur to improve the strength and range of motion of the knee. The knee is stabilized not only by the muscles that cross the joint, but also by many ligaments. Some ligaments do not heal once torn and lead to chronic instability and may eventually lead to premature arthritis. Ligaments such as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, ACL and PCL respectively, can be reconstructed if torn. 

The knee is cushioned by the cartilage lining throughout the joint, as well as by the menisci. These are two semicircular structures of cartilage that are on the inside and outside aspects of the knee. The menisci may be damaged through wear and tear related to age or they may be torn acutely from physical activity or other trauma. Small tears can be treated by cutting away the small loose portion (a partial meniscectomy), and other tears can be repaired using sutures.