Dr. Michael Boothby is an orthopedic knee surgeon Fort Worth who performs knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure performed on the knee. Knee arthroscopy allows an orthopedic knee surgeon to assess, diagnose, and treat problems within the knee joint. Knee arthroscopy, also called arthroscopic knee surgery or scoping the knee, utilizes a tiny scope (arthroscope) equipped with a miniature camera to view the structures of the knee and determine the necessary treatment. Dr. Michael Boothby, his physician assistant Seph Shaw, and orthopedic operating team can visualize every detail of the knee joint on a video monitor as the procedure progresses.
Knee Surgeon Fort Worth – Dr. Michael Boothby
During the procedure the arthroscopic knee surgeon, Dr. Michael Boothby, will access the knee joint by making several tiny incisions called portals in which the arthroscope and other small surgical instruments can be inserted. Because these portals are much smaller than incisions (minimally invasive) required for traditional knee surgery, knee arthroscopy can typically be performed on an outpatient basis and involves less recovery time.
Other benefits of knee arthroscopy include:
- Less pain and joint stiffness
- Minimal risk for complications
- Less tissue damage and scarring
Who Can Benefit from Knee Arthroscopy?
Fort Worth orthopedic knee surgeon, Dr. Michael Boothby, may recommend knee arthroscopy if a patient is experiencing knee pain or injury that has not responded to other nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Rest
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Injections
In some cases, a knee arthroscopy may be the best way to determine the source of knee pain. If a diagnosis has been made, arthroscopy can confirm the problem and allow the surgeon to repair it at the same time.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is often utilized for:
- Repairing torn ligaments or cartilage
- Removing cysts or loose tissue
- Stabilizing the knee joint
- Transferring healthy tissue to the damaged area of the knee
If your orthopedic knee surgeon determines that your condition would best be treated with knee arthroscopy, he will advise you on instructions on how to prepare for knee surgery.to prepare for surgery.
During Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
Most knee arthroscopy surgeries can be performed in less than an hour, however it can take more time depending on the type and complexity of repairs that are required. Knee arthroscopy can be performed under:
- Regional anesthesia: Patient is numb below the waist but awake
- General anesthesia: Patient is asleep during the procedure
Patients under regional anesthesia may be given mild sedation and may remember watching the knee repair procedure being done as it appears on the video monitor. Prior to making any incisions, your surgeon may place your knee in a positioning device to keep the surgical area in place as the arthroscopy is performed.
During knee arthroscopy surgery, small incisions (portals) are strategically cut around the knee joint to avoid tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. A saline solution is pumped into the knee to expand the area and allow for better visibility. Once the arthroscope is inserted, your orthopedic surgeon will determine or confirm the source of the knee dysfunction. If treatment is deemed necessary, the identified problem is repaired using specialized surgical instruments that are inserted into the portals.
Knee surgery repairs may include:
- Reconstructing and/or repairing torn ligaments or cartilage
- Removing inflamed tissue
- Treating infection in the knee
- Removing loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Trimming or shaving damaged tissue
- Stabilizing the kneecap (patella)
After the knee is repaired, your surgeon will drain the knee joint of the saline solution and close the portals with sutures or small Band-aids (Steri-strips). The knee is wrapped with a soft bandage to protect the incision sites during healing.
Post Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
In most cases, patients undergoing knee arthroscopy can return home within a couple of hours of surgery. You will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure and monitor you that evening. Your knee surgeon will give you detailed instructions on home recovery after arthroscopic knee surgery.
Post knee arthroscopy instructions may include:
- Ice packs to minimize pain and reduce swelling
- Leg elevation
- Use of pain medication
- Changing of the surgical bandage
- Keeping the knee clean and dry
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
- Graduating exercise regimen
- Driving restrictions
- Physical therapy program
Depending on the type of repairs made to the knee, you may need to avoid placing any weight on the joint. Most patients require crutches or other walking aids for a time after knee arthroscopy. Physical therapy and exercise will play an important role in restoring muscle strength, knee functionality, and range of motion. Complications from knee arthroscopy are rare, however, as with any surgery, some risk is involved.
Possible complications include:
- Infection
- Excessive swelling
- Blood clot formation
- Knee stiffness
- Bleeding in the knee joint
- Damage to the knee structure
Knee surgery utilizing arthroscopy is considered a low-risk surgery with a high probability for restoring full knee functionality with proper post-operative care. Some patients with more extensive knee damage may need to avoid high impact activities after knee arthroscopy to protect the knee joint.
Dr. Michael Boothby and his physician assistant, Seph Shaw, have years of experience and knowledge about patient’s postoperative recovery. Please feel free to contact them if you have any questions.
Our goal at OSMI is to provide our patients quality, cutting-edge orthopedic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical. Dr. Michael Boothby, having performed hundreds of successful arthroscopic surgeries, is consistently rated as one of The Top Orthopedic Surgeons in the Fort Worth area. If you have questions or concerns about joint pain, or for more information about arthroscopic surgery, please submit an online appointment request or contact our office at 817-529-1900.
