Knee arthroscopy is a versatile procedure used to treat a wide variety of painful knee conditions. While it is often associated with sports injuries, it is also effective for degenerative conditions in patients of all ages. Dr. Parentis, an experienced knee orthopedic surgeon, typically recommends arthroscopy when non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications have failed to relieve symptoms.

Common conditions treated with knee arthroscopy include:

• Meniscus Tears: Trimming or repairing a torn meniscus (the cartilage that cushions the knee).
• Ligament Reconstruction: repairing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
• Removing Loose Bodies: Clearing out fragments of bone or cartilage that are floating in the joint and causing locking or pain.
• Trim Damaged Cartilage: Smoothing out rough or torn articular cartilage.
• Synovitis: Removing inflamed joint lining (synovium).
• Plica Syndrome: Removing painful bands of tissue within the knee.

By addressing these mechanical issues directly, the surgery helps restore function and alleviate pain, helping you get back to your active lifestyle.

Your experience at Buffalo Orthopedics will most likely begin with a personal, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Parentis. Dr. Parentis believes in an individualized care approach. He will start by listening to your story—when the pain started, what makes it worse, and what your goals are for recovery. He will then perform a detailed physical examination of your knee to check for swelling, range of motion, and stability.

To confirm a diagnosis, he may review X-rays or an MRI scan. Once he has a complete picture of your condition, Dr. Parentis will explain his findings to you in plain language. He will discuss whether you are a candidate for knee arthroscopy treatment or if another approach, such as physical therapy or even arthroplasty knee replacement for severe arthritis, might be better. This is an open conversation where you can ask about everything from recovery times to insurance coverage. Dr. Parentis ensures you are fully informed and comfortable before moving forward.

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures and is generally considered very safe. When performed by highly skilled and best arthroscopic knee surgeons like Dr. Parentis, the risk of complications is low. His double fellowship training in sports medicine ensures he has the specific expertise required to navigate the knee joint with precision. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery also contributes to its safety profile, as smaller incisions reduce the risk of infection and blood loss compared to open surgery.

However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks. These can include infection, blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis), excessive swelling, or damage to blood vessels or nerves. Dr. Parentis will discuss these risks with you in detail during your pre-operative consultation. He takes every precaution to minimize these risks, including the use of sterile techniques and post-operative protocols to prevent clots. His goal is to ensure your safety while delivering the best possible outcome for your knee health.

The primary difference between knee arthroscopy and other surgical options lies in its minimally invasive approach. Traditional open knee surgery requires a large incision to open the joint, which involves cutting through muscle and tissue. This leads to more pain, a longer hospital stay, and a prolonged recovery period. In contrast, knee arthroscopic surgery uses tiny incisions, which preserves the surrounding muscle and allows for a much quicker recovery. Most patients go home the same day.

Compared to non-surgical treatments, arthroscopy offers a mechanical fix for mechanical problems. While physical therapy can strengthen the knee and injections can reduce inflammation, they cannot repair a torn meniscus or remove a loose piece of bone. Arthroscopy addresses the root cause of the mechanical symptoms (like locking or catching). However, for advanced arthritis where the joint is severely worn, arthroplasty knee surgery (total knee replacement) might be the more appropriate option. Dr. Parentis can help you navigate these choices to find the right solution for you.

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is generally faster than recovery from open knee surgery, but it still requires time and dedication to rehabilitation. The exact timeline depends on what specific procedure was performed (e.g., a simple trim of a meniscus heals faster than a ligament reconstruction). Immediately after surgery, you may have some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with ice, elevation, and medication. You may need crutches for a few days to a few weeks.

Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. Dr. Parentis will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you regain strength and motion. Most patients can return to desk work within a week and light daily activities shortly after. Return to more vigorous activities and sports usually takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the repair. Throughout your recovery, you will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Parentis to ensure your knee is healing properly and you are on track to meet your goals.