What Happens During The Knee Arthroscopy Procedure?
You will have a general, regional, or local anesthetic. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. Both local and regional anesthetics numb part of the body while you remain awake. All three types of anesthesia should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. The doctor will then insert the arthroscope, a tube containing a saltwater solution, and a probe instrument into the lower part of your knee. He or she will inject fluid into the knee. Your doctor may find loose material in the knee or a tear in the cartilage or ligaments. The doctor can repair the tears or remove loose pieces of cartilage using small instruments and the arthroscope. After the procedure the doctor will close the small openings with one or two stitches or sticky tape.
