Knee Arthroscopy Specialist
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Steven E. Nolan, MD
Steven E. Nolan, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Sugar Land, TX
Problems in the knee affect even the simplest of tasks, such as walking, and daily performance. Dr. Steven E. Nolan specializes in knee arthroscopy procedures that are used to diagnose, treat problems and reduce pain in the knee joint. Visit Steven E. Nolan in Sugar Land, Texas to solicit his orthopedic surgery and sports medicine expertise and regain your physical well being.
Knee Arthroscopy Q & A
What is knee arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy, also called arthroscopic surgery, refers to a minimally invasive surgery through the use of an arthroscope. This tiny fiber-optic scope enters the joint by way of a small incision. The surgical instruments are thin, allowing Dr. Nolan to guide the tools and treat the joint area that he views through a screen.
Arthroscopy has made diagnosing, treating, and recovering from knee injuries much more efficient than if traditional open surgery were conducted, and Dr. Nolan specializes in this type of surgery.
What does a knee arthroscopy involve?
During a knee arthroscopy, Dr. Steven Nolan administers an anesthetic before making a small incision to pump saline solution in to expand the knee. He then inserts the arthroscope into the joint, views the area through a connected screen, determines the extent of the condition, and corrects any issues through the use of small instruments.
Since the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, the incision is smaller than needed for standard, open surgery. They also reduce the likelihood of pain and scarring and decreases recovery time.
When is knee arthroscopy recommended?
Dr. Nolan may recommend knee arthroscopy if you’re experiencing knee pain that needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Through arthroscopy, he can diagnose several kinds of knee problems and can repair the joint ligaments, such as:
- Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
- Torn meniscus
- Misaligned patella (kneecap)
- Pieces of torn, loose cartilage
- Removal of a Baker’s cyst
- Fractures in the knee bones
- Swollen synovium
How can I prepare for knee arthroscopy?
During your consultation, Dr. Nolan advises you about preoperative measures. He asks about any medical problems that may interfere with arthroscopic surgery.
You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements for a few days or weeks before surgery and refrain from eating or drinking for six to 12 hours prior.
If you’ve attempted nonsurgical measures with no luck, visit Dr. Nolan to learn about your candidacy for knee arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure can treat painful symptoms that cause damage to the joint and the tendons, cartilage, and tissues around it.
