What Causes the Need for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Your doctor may recommend arthroscopic knee surgery if you have knee pain that isn’t getting better with nonsurgical treatments, such as: 

• Rest
• Ice; and
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

Below are a few reasons why arthroscopic knee surgery may be recommended.

ACL Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four major ligaments in your knee.

The ACL is critical to your knee’s stability, and if you injure it, you will probably notice your knee giving out from under you. 

Many patients who suffer from an ACL tear choose to have surgical treatment, and most ACL surgeries are performed arthroscopically.

Lateral Release

Lateral release is a knee surgery that’s done to realign the kneecap or patella. 

Your kneecap moves up and down along a groove of cartilage at the end of your thigh bone. Sometimes, the kneecap may become pulled to the outside of the grove and become dislocated, causing extreme pain each time the knee is bent.

An arthroscopic lateral release can be performed to loosen the ligaments that pull the kneecap toward the outside of the groove

Meniscus Repair

The meniscus is a C-shaped pad of cartilage between the bones in your knees that acts as a shock absorber. 

Meniscus tears are very common knee injuries, especially in athletes. Arthroscopic meniscus repair can restore the normal anatomy of your knee and relieve pain.

3 Post Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Physical Therapy Exercises

Physical therapy exercises after arthroscopic knee surgery can go a long way towards speeding recovery. Here are three exercises that your physical therapist may recommend. 

#1: Quadriceps Contraction

Here is how to do a quadriceps contraction:

1. Lay flat on your back.
2. Place a rolled towel under your ankle. 
3. Tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh and try to push the back of your knee down toward the ground. Your knee will straighten as it moves toward the surface.
4. Straighten your knee as much as you can, and hold the position for 5 seconds.
5. Repeat 10 times.

#2: Gluteal Sets

Here is how to do gluteal sets:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent at a 10 to 15-degree angle.
2. Squeeze your butt muscles together, like you are trying not to pass gas.
3. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat 10 times.

#3: Hamstring Contraction

Here is how to do a hamstring contraction:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent at a 10 to 15-degree angle.
2. Without moving your leg, bend your heel into the floor, as if you are trying to bend your knee, but the floor is not allowing you to. 
3. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat 10 times.