Arthroscopy, the gold standard for diagnosing intra-articular knee diseases, is usually performed in the operating room with the patient given either local or general anesthesia.

Mayo Clinic now offers in-office knee arthroscopy using only local anesthesia, providing images of sufficient quality to facilitate the diagnosis of complex conditions.

This is an exciting technology that gives the surgeon a very precise view – often superior to MRI – and allows patients to avoid general anesthesia and go home immediately after the procedure. It is safe and effective.

The new device, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, is an improved version of arthroscopic designs dating back to the 1990s. which included a turret, fluid pumping systems, and instrumentation for standard optics. The second-generation device does not require an endoscopy turret and uses a 14-gauge needle and digital optics.

It is a small device attached to a tablet. digital image quality.

Indications for use

Arthroscopy in the clinic is particularly useful for patients whose MRI images are inconclusive.

Arthroscopy in the clinic is also useful in classifying and judging cartilage affected by acute or chronic conditions.

In addition, in-office arthroscopy may be an option for people who cannot tolerate an MRI scan because of claustrophobia or because they have pacemakers or other metal implants. Once this technique is mastered, knee arthroscopy can be performed in the clinic in about 15 minutes, and an image review with the patient immediately afterward.