Knee Arthroscopy Specialist
Integrity Orthopedics
Pavel Muradov, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon serving in Katy, Sugar Land, Cypress, and Houston TX
If you have knee pain that doesn’t resolve with conservative treatment, arthroscopy is often the next step. Fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon Pavel Muradov, MD, has extensive experience performing knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat all forms of knee pain at Integrity Orthopedics in Katy, Texas. Call the office or book an appointment online today to find out if knee arthroscopy is right for you.
Knee Arthroscopy Q & A
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a detailed view of the inside of your knee without making a large incision. Using a thin, flexible camera called an arthroscope, Dr. Muradov closely examines your knee to diagnose and treat a wide range of problems, including cartilage and ligament tears.
The camera displays images of the inside of your knee onto a monitor. Dr. Muradov uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments to the precise location of tissue damage and then performs repairs.
Arthroscopy allows him to treat your knee pain through one or more buttonhole-sized incisions.
When would I need knee arthroscopy?
At Integrity Orthopedics, Dr. Muradov performs arthroscopic treatment for many conditions that cause knee pain, including:
- Torn ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Torn cartilage, including the meniscus and articular cartilage
- Swollen synovium
- Loose pieces of bone or cartilage in the joint
- Patella (kneecap) dislocations and fractures
Dr. Muradov takes a conservative approach and always tries non-surgical treatments before recommending any type of surgery. You may be a candidate for knee arthroscopy if your knee pain continues despite physical therapy, medications, and injections like platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
What does knee arthroscopy entail?
Knee arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. Before your procedure, Dr. Muradov and your anesthesiologist discuss the best type of anesthesia for you — local, regional, or general.
During knee arthroscopy, Dr. Muradov makes a few tiny incisions in your knee. He fills the joint space with a sterile solution like saline so he can get a better view of the structures. He inserts the arthroscope into one of the incisions and uses it to locate the damaged tissue. Then, he uses small instruments to make any necessary repairs.
When the procedure is finished, Dr. Muradov removes the instruments and drains the fluid from your knee. He closes the incisions with a stitch or sterile bandage. The length of the procedure depends on the treatment you need, but most knee arthroscopy surgeries last less than an hour.
What is the recovery like after knee arthroscopy?
Because knee arthroscopy is minimally invasive, the recovery time is shorter and less painful than with traditional open surgery. However, you should expect to spend 6-8 weeks or longer in recovery.
Dr. Muradov provides you with specific instructions on pain management and physical therapy. It’s important to follow his instructions to ensure an optimal outcome and safe return to your normal activities.
For the highest-quality care in knee arthroscopy, call Integrity Orthopedics, or book an appointment online today.