Knee pain is a common problem in elderly and overweight persons. Many people consult orthopedic surgeons for knee pain. While orthopedic doctors prescribe medicines, mainly painkillers, for pain management, many other patients have to undergo surgery.
 

Knee arthroscopy is a specialized surgery procedure to diagnose and treat abnormality in the knee joint. Often, people undergo conventional knee joint surgery to get rid of knee pain. However, conventional surgery involves a lot of damage to normal tissues, and long-term care follows the procedure. Recently, there have been many reports supporting that knee arthroscopy is better than conventional surgery. Orthopedic experts recommend arthroscopy even for various other joint abnormalities. It is emerging as a very useful tool used by orthopedic surgeons for diagnosis and treatment of knee problems. Unlike conventional surgery, arthroscopy can be done under local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
 

Small incisions are made around the knee joint to enable an arthroscope to gain access for conducting an arthroscopy. Orthopedic surgeons are frequently performing arthroscopy these days, and it is a common outpatient procedure in big hospitals. Unlike conventional surgery, arthroscopy is linked with less trauma and pain during the surgery. Moreover, the period of healing after the surgery is remarkably reduced. Arthroscopy surgery technique uses optical fibers and lenses introduced inside the knee joint through an arthroscope. Better visualization by an orthopedic expert is possible on the monitor outside.
 

Arthroscopy is well indicated for repairing the cartilage in arthritis, for removing the unhealthy joint tissue, and for taking biopsy of the joint tissue. Arthroscopy is also able to remove any foreign body in the knee joint. Orthopedic surgeons insert various other instruments in knee space as well to carry out these procedures of repair, removal, or to visualize the tissues.
 

Though arthroscopy is a safer surgery, orthopedic experts usually assess the health of the patient before advising this surgery. Patients have to undergo various blood, urine, and other investigations before an arthroscopy procedure. After this procedure, the patients are advised to elevate the leg and apply ice to minimize the pain and swelling for some days. They are asked to report to the orthopedic expert if any unusual pain or swelling is noticed. Some medicines to minimize pain and swelling are often prescribed by the orthopedic doctor. Exercises are advised to strengthen the muscle near the knee joint, to reduce pain, and prevent scarring at the operation site.