Running Head: KNEE ARTHROSCOPY FOR A MENISCUS TEAR

Analysis of arthroscopic surgery used

to treat a meniscus tear
Bridgewater State University

Authors Note:
Tyler Tabke, ATS
ttabke@student.bridgew.edu

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Abstract
Arthroscopic surgery is a modern surgical technique that is less intrusive than a
full, open surgery. This method involves multiple, very minor incisions that are usually
only a centimeter long at the most. A small tube is then inserted into the incision. Outside
of the body there is a pump that cycles fluid in the body to create space for operation,
filter out debris, and also make it easier to view the surgery through the arthroscopic
camera that is also inserted into the knee. Multiple tools are used such a shavers and
biters which shape the tissue to the surgeons desire to best facilitate function. Some
benefits to this surgery are the decreased recovery time due to smaller incisions and it
also allows the knee to me functionally maneuvered in the operating room to determine
whether the operation was successful or not. This type of surgery is commonly used on
the knee but is also used on the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and wrist.

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY FOR A MENISCUS TEAR

Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgical Procedures

The menisci are the circular pieces of cartilage that are on the tibial plateau. They
serve as shock absorbers for the knee and are commonly injured from repeated pounding
in the knee joint such as jumping. A meniscus pathology is commonly paired with ACL
and MCL injuries due to the twisting at the knee joint line. In the case of the surgery that
I observed, the patient only had a torn meniscus.
No specific pre or post surgical techniques were explained during video of the
surgery.
During the surgery small incisions are made to insert the operating tools. Once the
pump and camera are inserted so are the tools used to trim the torn cartilage. In some
cases it is better for the entire meniscus to be removed but in this operation it was only
trimmed of the damaged cartilage. The cartilage is trimmed with a small spinning blade
referred to as a shave. This tool is initially used to shave off the ragged torn pieces of
cartilage. Then another tool called a biter is inserted. This tool functions like a
miniature nail clipper. It clips off bigger chunks of damaged cartilage and creates a
general shape that the surgeon desires. The shaver is then reinserted to put a smoother
finish on the meniscal cartilage. Once the shaping is done the incisions are stitched and
the patient usually leaves the hospital in two to three hours after waking up.
Some limitations to this technique are that it is difficult to perform the surgery
through the vision of a tiny camera. It also doesnt allow the surgeon to remove larger
pieces of debris or use larger tools because the tools are limited by the size of the
arthroscope.

4 KNEE ARTHROSCOPY FOR A MENISCUS TEAR

Post Surgery
After the surgery the patient can expect to be non-weight bearing and using
crutches for a few days until the swelling is predominately gone. The patient meets with
the surgeon a few days later to review what was found during the surgery and also to go
over rehab protocol. In the near future the patient will be able to return to full activity
with little to no limitation.

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY FOR A MENISCUS TEAR

References
Caldwell Jr., G. M.D. Knee Arthroscopy for Treatment of a Meniscus Tear. Retrieved
November 21, 2014, from http://ortho.broadcastmed.com/4229/videos/knee-arthroscopyfor-treatment-of-a-meniscus-tear