Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Matt Gavin, MD Our Services Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Matt Gavin, MD - - Orthopedics

Matt Gavin, MD

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine located in Leesburg, VA

Knee injuries, such as ACL and meniscus tears, can keep you from returning to the sports and activities you love. Skilled orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician Matt Gavin, MD, diagnoses and treats these common sports injuries with knee arthroscopy at his practice in Leesburg, Virginia. If you have a knee injury that you think could be helped by arthroscopic surgery, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gavin.

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Q & A

What is arthroscopic knee surgery?

Arthroscopic knee surgery, also called knee arthroscopy, is an advanced surgical technique that Dr. Gavin uses to diagnose and treat problems in your knee joint. Arthroscopy uses a specialized instrument called an arthroscope, which is a thin tube with a tiny camera on it.

During arthroscopic knee surgery, Dr. Gavin inserts the arthroscope through small incisions in your knee. The arthroscope displays images of your joint on a video monitor, which Dr. Gavin uses to inspect your injury and guide miniature surgical tools for treatment.

What conditions can knee arthroscopy treat?

Dr. Gavin may recommend arthroscopy to diagnose and treat osteoarthritis of the knee, or to reduce painful symptoms associated with the following common knee injuries:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and strains
  • Meniscus tears
  • Fractured knee bones
  • Loose fragments of bone or cartilage

What are the benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery?

Since arthroscopic surgery uses tiny instruments, this procedure requires much smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. Typically, incisions are only about 5 millimeters, or one-fourth inch long.

Smaller incisions make for a less invasive procedure, which offers the following advantages over open surgery:

  • Less scarring
  • Less blood loss
  • Faster recovery time
  • Less pain during recovery
  • Reduced risk of infection

How is arthroscopic knee surgery performed?

First, Dr. Gavin performs a comprehensive physical exam in which he carefully observes your range of motion in the affected knee and asks questions about your symptoms. Dr. Gavin spends time with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.

If he determines you’re a good candidate for arthroscopic knee surgery, Dr. Gavin prepares you for what to expect during the procedure and discusses options for anesthesia. Typically, he performs arthroscopic procedures on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home immediately afterward.

Following your procedure, Dr. Gavin explains how to take care of your knee at home and suggests a plan for rehabilitation. You can reduce pain and swelling by resting and elevating your knee while applying ice packs for several days after surgery.

If you have a knee injury that needs expert treatment, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gavin today.

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