3 Types of Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries

Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to view the knee joint and surgically treat injuries. It is performed using 2-3 tiny incisions, a small camera, tiny surgical instruments, and a television monitor. Dr. Nicholas Alexander of Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Associates has extensive experience and uses the latest technologies to perform arthroscopic knee procedures. Patients recover faster than those who underwent large incision procedures many years ago because less surgical trauma occurs. Three commonly performed arthroscopic knee surgeries are:

#1: ACL Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main ligaments that connects the tibia to the femur and provides anterior  knee stability with pivoting and cutting activities . An ACL tear is a common sport and physical activity related injury that usually often requires surgical intervention. Many years ago, ACL reconstructions were performed using a large incision on the front of the knee. Now, procedures are primarily performed arthroscopically using 2 or 3 puncture holes and a small incision where the replacement tendons are harvested from. Dr. Alexander removes the torn ACL and replaces it with an autograft harvested from the patient or an allograft harvested from a cadaver. Patients start therapy immediately after the surgery and return to contact and running sports and physical activities typically occurs approximately 6-8 months after surgery.

#2: Meniscus Repair

The medial and lateral menisci are soft pads of fibrocartilage that sit on the top of the tibia and acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. Sports, twisting injuries to the knee, physical activity and even advanced osteoarthritis may result in a meniscal tear that needs to be surgically treated. Dr. Alexander will obtain an MRI of the injured knee to determine the type and location of the tear, and then, depending on the location of the tear, will determine whether to debride or repair the meniscus Total recovery time is typically 6 weeks after a meniscal debridement or approximately 2-4 months after a meniscal repair, depending on the seriousness of the tear and the patient’s healing response, and success with physical therapy.

#3: PCL Repair

The posterior collateral ligament (PCL) prevents the tibia from moving back too far. PCL tears are more rare than ACL and meniscus tears. A forceful blow to a bent knee during a car accident or sports collision are among the two most common causes. Many PCL tears can be successfully treated without surgery and with physical therapy and bracing. The overwhelming majority of  surgical PCL repairs are now performed arthroscopically. The torn PCL is typically debrided and an autologous tendon or cadaver ligament is put in its place. ACL and PCL tears may be treated with a combined ACL/PCL arthroscopic procedure or the procedures may be separated depending on the severity of the injury and the level of instability present

Making an Appointment

If you experience any of these types of knee pain, please contact Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Associates to make an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Alexander at our convenient locations in Mahwah or Clifton, NJ.

Our goal is to get you back to an active and pain-free life!