Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy—that is, the examination of a joint using a camera and the correction of its pathological problems—began in the 1980s and now counts many decades years of development. In Greece, the first arthroscopy was performed by Professor Argyrios Mitsou in 1978 at Hygeia Hospital. It is a minimally invasive method which today can address a wide range of pathological conditions with optimal results and minimization of potential postoperative complications.

The knee joint was the first site where arthroscopic surgery was successfully completed. The application of arthroscopy in this specific area has now evolved to such an extent that almost all conditions affecting the knee can be treated through this technique. The only conditions that cannot be treated arthroscopically involve joint replacement procedures and major knee fractures.

Conditions affecting the knee are numerous and vary depending on their severity and etiology. They can be divided into two main categories:

They arise as a result of a knee injury, either immediately after the trauma or a considerable time later, if timely diagnosis has not been made. The most common of these include:

• Meniscal tear
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture
• Chondral (cartilage) lesions of the knee
• Patellar dislocation

They arise as a result of degeneration and usually occur in individuals over the age of 60. Heredity constitutes a significant factor in their development. The most common of these include:

• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pigmented villonodular synovitis
• Gradual deformity of the knee due to a previous fracture

After taking a detailed medical history of the patient and performing a clinical examination, the orthopaedic surgeon may request an X-ray or an MRI scan of the knee in order to complete the diagnosis.

Knee arthroscopy is performed, as in all arthroscopic procedures, in a hospital setting, and the patient can be discharged and safely return home on the very same day. Knee arthroscopy is carried out under local anesthesia or sedation, through 2 or 3 small incisions of just a few millimeters, while the total duration of the procedure ranges on average from 30 to 90 minutes. Only anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires an additional small incision of approximately 4 centimeters in order to harvest the graft from the hamstring tendons, which are located on the inner side of the knee. The procedure involves the use of a camera, through which any damage within the joint is magnified, allowing it to be studied and treated even more effectively. Like any minimally invasive method, arthroscopy requires significantly less recovery and rehabilitation time.

The knee joint consists of a complex network of tendons and ligaments that support the knee in all movements. These structures include the two collateral ligaments, the two cruciate ligaments, and the two menisci. The medial meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament account for approximately 92% of knee injuries and degenerative wear, along with cases involving damage to the articular cartilage. Tears or injuries of the medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, as well as many other knee pathologies, are treated highly effectively with knee arthroscopy, when performed by experienced and well-trained orthopaedic surgeons.

An increasing number of people engage in systematic athletic activity, a fact that has significantly increased the frequency of injuries in the knee area. In particular, sports activities that involve running, fast walking, or frequent use of the knee with complex movements such as flexion combined with rotation (football, tennis, basketball, gymnastics, track and field, dance, martial arts) create or aggravate pre-existing pathological conditions of the knee. Movements with a wide range of motion are those that significantly increase the risk of injury, especially in an area as sensitive as the knee.

In previous years, when the appropriate tools and necessary scientific knowledge were not yet available, individuals over the age of 50 who exercised were often advised by their orthopaedic surgeon to discontinue any sports activity that caused strain after a severe injury. Today, thanks to modern medical technology and specialized training, the orthopaedic surgeon is able to fully treat the patient, who is then encouraged to continue moving and to actively participate in all activities he or she desires.

• Medial Meniscus Tear
• Lateral Meniscus Tear
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
• Combined sports knee injuries
• Patellar Instability
• Patellar Instability
• Cartilage defects
• Loose body removal
• Mild osteoarthritis
• Targeted biologic injection

Dr. K. Dretakis and his associates possess specialized knowledge and extensive experience in knee arthroscopy, performing more than 100 arthroscopic procedures each year. His team has treated a large number of distinguished athletes, including individuals participating in competitive events with high training demands. A modern orthopaedic surgeon now carries a more complex responsibility. He must not only treat the patient, but also ensure that the individual returns fully functional to daily activities. It is not sufficient merely to restore movement and relieve pain. Walking after arthroscopy is essential for the patient to live a normal life.

Athletic activity contributes to improved mental health and significantly enhances the immune system. People who have exercised throughout their lives cannot live without physical activity. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon collaborates with physiotherapists and fitness trainers to design any necessary modification of athletic activity. Knee arthroscopy has restored thousands of patients quickly and effectively to their pre-injury normality—something that would be impossible without the optimal utilization of medical knowledge and technological advancement.

The detailed cost of the procedure depends on the extent and complexity of each case. Contact our team so that we can jointly design the most appropriate treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs and financial capacity.