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Knee Arthroscopy

Cody Covington, MD Our Services Knee Arthroscopy

Cody Covington, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon located in San Antonio, TX

Surgeons perform more than 750,000 knee arthroscopy procedures every year to address such chronic knee pain conditions as meniscus tears. Orthopedic surgeon Cody Covington, MD, understands how debilitating chronic knee pain can be, and he offers knee arthroscopy at his office in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Covington combines state-of-the-art technology and a down-to-earth manner as he helps you return to your normal activities. Book an appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation now.

Knee Arthroscopy Q&A

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat problems in and around your knee joint. Dr. Covington uses an arthroscope — a thin tube with an internal camera and light — to view your knee on a video monitor nearby.

When might I need a knee arthroscopy?

If you have chronic knee pain but imaging tests don't clearly show its cause, knee arthroscopy can be a valuable diagnostic tool. This procedure gives Dr. Covington a close-up view of the inside of the joint, including areas that external imaging tests can't always access. 

Knee arthroscopy is also an effective way to treat age- and injury-related problems inside the knee, including:

  • Torn meniscus
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears 
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
  • Loose bodies (cartilage or bone fragments)
  • Damaged cartilage
  • Inflamed synovium (joint lining)
  • Infection
  • Patella dislocation
  • Baker’s cysts
  • Minor knee fractures

Dr. Covington can also perform a dual-purpose knee arthroscopy, in which he makes a diagnosis and then immediately treats the problem. 

How does knee arthroscopy work?

You receive local, regional, or general anesthesia before your knee arthroscopy. Dr. Covington cleans the surgical area and may use a positioning tool to maintain the knee’s stability. 

Next, Dr. Covington creates 2-3 portals (tiny incisions) to reach your knee joint. He fills your knee joint with sterile saline, which improves visibility and expands his working area. 

Dr. Covington places the arthroscope through one portal and then views your joint on the bedside monitor as he guides the arthroscope to the ideal position. 

With the arthroscope in place, Dr. Covington can diagnose the problem in your knee. He can then place special tools through the other portals to perform any surgical correction you need. 

Arthroscopy is a common method used for ACL surgery, meniscus repair, and other types of sports medicine surgery. Dr. Covington can also perform other repairs, including cyst removal, patella realignment, and loose bodies removal. 

He may use a specialized tool to secure stitches in your knee joint. After completing your surgical correction, Dr. Covington drains the saline solution from your knee and closes your incisions. He applies an elastic bandage to support your knee as it heals.

Knee arthroscopy typically takes less than an hour. 

Knee arthroscopy can repair serious knee problems with just a few small incisions. Learn more by calling Cody Covington, MD, or book an appointment online now.

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