Why is the knee joint important?

The knee joint is one of the most important weight-bearing joints of locomotion. This joint is under stress, whether you are sitting, walking, or running.

Indian lifestyle like squatting posture on the floor to attend religious functions, and kneeling posture while answering the natural call creates maximum stress and strain on the knee joint.

Our fat-rich diet leading to obesity also adds to the stress and strain on the knee joint.

These undue stresses and strains haveten up the degeneration of the knee cartilage.

What is knee degeneration or osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is defined as the gradual thinning and degeneration of the knee’s articular cartilage—the flexible, slippery material that normally covers the joint forming part of the thigh bone (Femur) and leg bone (Tibia). This protects bones from joint friction and impact. 

This progressive loss of articular cartilage leads to the loss of joint space.

What are the common symptoms of OA?

Pain is the leading symptom, worse after walking, and a problem in negotiating stairs.

After rest, the joint feels stiff and it hurts to `get up` after sitting for any length of time. 

Swelling is also common and giving way or locking may occur. With time, the pain and swelling tend to increase to such an extent that the patient becomes bedridden.

What is the age?  

OA knee is the most common form of knee arthritis it usually starts at the age of 40 to 45, with advancing age the problem increases with degeneration (Osteo arthritis )

What are the stages of knee OA?

X–rays show a reduction of joint space ( due to cartilage destruction) and bony outgrowth at the margins of the tibia, femur, and patella.

What is the role of video arthroscopy in the treatment of knee OA?

Arthroscopy is indicated when the patient feels knocking in the knee joint and full range of the knee joint is not possible. MRI knee shows loose degraded cartilage in the joint space along with torn meniscus extruded in the knee joint blocking the full movement of the knee joint.

What is video arthroscopy? 

It is a state-of-the-art technology, a telescopic keyhole surgery performed on the knee joint to treat knee problems. Arthroscopy ( a telescope) is introduced into the knee joint after giving a very minimal cut ( just 4mm) and a video camera is attached over the telescope the inside picture of the joint appears on the TV monitor, which is magnified by 100 to 150 times.

With another very small cut, the instrument is introduced into the joint and the procedure is carried out while watching the internal structure of the knee joint on the T.V. screen. In this way, knee joint problem is treated at one stage.

When is arthroscopy needed?

* Pain in the knee joint

*History of frequent locking of knee joint

* Problem with walking

* Pain not relieved by long-term medication

* ‘click’ sound from the knee joint and associated with repeated episodes of swelling and  locking.

* MRI of the knee MRI knee shows loose degraded cartilage in the joint space along with torn meniscus extruded in the knee joint blocking the full movement of the knee joint.

The patient with the above problems is the right candidate for video arthroscopy.

MRI knee shows loose degraded cartilage in the joint space along with torn meniscus extruded in the knee joint blocking the full movement of the knee joint.

What are the advantages of Video Arthroscopy?

Since Arthroscopy is a state-of-the-art technology, its advantages over conventional surgery are many & tabulated below:-

                                                       Conventional  Surgery                           Video –Arthroscopic  surgery     

*Incision                                                 Big                                                           Very small only 4mm

*Stitches                                                8-10 in number                                      No stitch

*Operative  Time                                  Considerable                                           15-20 minutes

*Plaster cast                                          For 6-8 weeks                                        No Plaster, only crepe bandage

*Immobilization                                     8-10 weeks                                            Back to work on 3^rd day    

*Hospitalization                                     7-8 days                                                 12 hours

*Expenditure                                          Very Heavy                                             Reasonable

*Post-operative medication                  For 1-2months                                       5 days

Can Video Arthroscopy be combined with PRP?

Yes, this procedure can safely be combined with PRP therapy to give patients better results.

• About the surgeon

Dr. A.S. Bhatia is performing Video Arthroscopy at the Bone & Joint Care Clinic. He is a pioneer in introducing Video Arthroscopy in the city’s beautiful.  He has been trained under Dr. Anant Joshi of Mumbai, India’s eminent Arthroscopic Surgeon.

He is a life member of the following:

• IAS (Indian Arthroscopy Society)
• IOA (Indian Orthopedic Association)
• NZIOA(North Zone Chapter of IOA)
• IMA(Indian Medical Association)