Arthroscopic synovectomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic synovectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes inflamed synovium from a joint. The synovium is the thin lining that produces joint fluid and can become irritated or overgrown. It is commonly performed in the knee, but it can be used in other joints as well. The goal is to reduce symptoms caused by abnormal synovial tissue inside the joint.

Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction is a minimally invasive knee surgery to restore the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The PCL is a key stabilizing ligament inside the knee joint. This procedure is commonly used after significant PCL injury that causes ongoing instability or functional limits. It is performed by orthopedic surgeons, often in sports medicine and complex knee injury care.

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive surgery to restore function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. It uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions. The damaged ACL is not usually “stitched back together”; it is commonly replaced with a graft. It is commonly used in sports medicine and orthopedic care after ACL tears that cause knee instability.

Arthroscopic root repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic root repair is a minimally invasive knee surgery used to reattach a torn meniscus root back to bone. A meniscus “root” is the anchoring point where the meniscus connects to the tibia (shinbone). This procedure is commonly used for certain medial or lateral meniscus root tears that can destabilize the meniscus. It is performed using an arthroscope, a small camera inserted through small incisions around the knee.

Arthroscopic meniscus repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is a minimally invasive knee surgery that aims to stitch and heal a torn meniscus. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). This procedure is commonly used in sports medicine and orthopedic care after certain meniscus tears. It is performed using an arthroscope, a small camera inserted through small incisions.

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a minimally invasive knee surgery that removes a damaged portion of the meniscus. It is performed using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through small incisions. It is commonly used to address certain meniscal tears that are causing pain, catching, or mechanical symptoms. It is one of the most frequently discussed arthroscopic procedures in sports medicine and general orthopedics.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is a minimally invasive knee procedure that removes part of a torn meniscus. It is most often performed to address symptoms like catching, locking, or pain from an unstable meniscal tear. Surgeons use a small camera (arthroscope) and slender instruments through small incisions around the knee. It is common in orthopedics and sports medicine when non-surgical care has not been sufficient or a tear is mechanically problematic.

Knee arthroscopy: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to look inside the knee joint with a small camera. It is commonly used in orthopedics and sports medicine to diagnose and treat certain knee problems. Small incisions allow specialized instruments to work inside the joint without a large open cut. It is often discussed when knee pain, swelling, locking, or instability persists despite initial care.

Knee lavage: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Knee lavage is a process of washing out the knee joint with sterile fluid. It is used to remove or dilute material inside the joint, such as blood, debris, or inflammatory fluid. Knee lavage can be done with a needle in a clinic setting or during arthroscopy in an operating room. It is most commonly discussed in the context of swollen, painful knees and certain joint diseases.

Joint aspiration: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Joint aspiration is a procedure where a clinician removes fluid from a joint using a sterile needle and syringe. It is most commonly performed in large joints such as the knee, but it can be used in other joints as well. It may be done to help diagnose the cause of swelling or pain, and sometimes to reduce pressure in the joint. In clinical settings, it may also be paired with laboratory testing of the fluid and/or an injection.