Knee Arthroscopy Surgeon

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to relieve painful symptoms in the knee. If non-surgical treatments do not relieve pain and restore function, knee arthroscopy may be recommended. Common knee arthroscopy can treat a torn meniscus, an ACL tear and many other knee injuries. Doctor Riley J. Williams provides diagnosis as well as surgical and non-surgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and surrounding areas who have sustained a knee injury. Contact Dr. Williams’ team today!

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive knee surgery that is also known as a “knee scope”. This specialized surgical procedure requires a few small incisions in the knee, which allow Dr. Williams to insert a small camera (arthroscope) into the joint for visualization. The arthroscope has a tiny camera on the end of it, which projects the images within the knee joint onto a monitor. Knee ligament, meniscus and cartilage surgery is performed by creating additional small incisions which allow Dr. Williams to use small, specialized instruments to perform the necessary procedures depending on the affected knee structure.

What is a synovectomy?

A synovectomy is an arthroscopic surgical procedure where abnormal or inflamed synovium is removed. The synovium is a thin layer of cells that lines the inside of these joints. The function of the synovium is to provide fluid or lubrication in the joints, allowing the bones to glide against each other with ease. Individuals who suffer from arthritis create excess synovial fluid that can result in damage to the cartilage. An excess of inflamed synovium tissue can result in abnormal swelling and persistent joint pain. A synovectomy can help to prevent further arthritic damage in the joint and prevent recurrent joint swelling.

What is plica resection?

Plica resection is an arthroscopic knee surgery that involves removing abnormal synovial tissue. Plica are natural folds in the knee joint synovium that can often times become painful and inflamed. Plica inflammation can be caused by overuse activities and sports that require repetitive bending and straightening of the knee.. There are four synovial plica folds of tissue in each knee located within the synovium. The medial plica is often affected by inflammation in the described circumstances. In cases where non-operative measures do not relieve the pain associated with an inflamed medial plica, surgical removal may be necessary.  Dr. Riley J. Williams, orthopedic knee surgeon, serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas, has extensive experience in procedures such as a knee arthroscopy, synovectomy and plica resection.

Why is knee arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopic knee surgery can be used to diagnose and treat a number of injuries. Common maladies that are treated using knee arthroscopy include: meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears, cartilage injuries, synovitis and loose bodies. Most knee joint conditions can be treated arthroscopically.

What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy has a low risk for complications, and a very high success rate for healing. Although there are limited risks involved, some still exist and include: joint stiffness, swelling, infection, or blood clots. Age, underlying medical conditions and fitness level can also have an impact on potential complications.

How long is recovery after knee arthroscopy?

There are many different injuries that can be treated with knee arthroscopy. Full recovery time is dependent upon the severity of the injury, underlying health conditions and the treatment performed. For example, arthroscopic knee surgery, used to repair a torn ACL, has a much longer recovery time compared to that observed surgery for a torn meniscus. A general timeframe to resume regular activities after a simple knee arthroscopy is 1-2 months. An arthroscopic procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting; patients are allowed to go home a few hours following surgery. A friend or family member will be required to assist the patient. The patient is not able to drive home and may need help getting in and out of a car. Keeping the incision sites clean is also very important. Dr. Williams will give specific instructions on recovery and the patient will be given a complete rehabilitation protocol to follow. Patients in New York and the surrounding boroughs have a greater success for a full recovery when they follow Dr. William’s recommendation and physical therapy regimen.

For additional resources on knee arthroscopy, a synovectomy, plica resection or to have your knee pain evaluated, please contact the office of Dr. Riley J. Williams, orthopedic knee surgeon serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.