With improvements of arthroscopes and higher resolution cameras, the procedure has become highly effective for both the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of knee problems.

Anatomy

The anatomy of the normal knee.

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily injured. It is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. Four bands of tissue-the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments-connect the femur and the tibia and provide joint stability. Strong thigh muscles give the knee strength and mobility.

The surfaces where the femur, tibia, and patella touch are covered with articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a smooth substance that cushions the bones and enables them to glide freely. Semicircular rings of tough fibrous cartilage tissue, called the lateral and medial menisci, act as shock absorbers and stabilizers.

The articular cartilage cushions the knee joint.

The bones of the knee are surrounded by a thin, smooth tissue capsule lined by a thin synovial membrane. The synovium releases a special fluid that lubricates the knee, reducing friction to nearly zero in a healthy knee.

Knee Problems

Normally, all parts of the knee work together in harmony. Sports, work injuries, arthritis, or weakening of the tissues with age can cause wear and inflammation, resulting in pain and diminished knee function.

Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many of these problems:

Problems in the knee joint that usually can be seen with an arthroscope.

• Torn meniscal cartilage.
• Loose fragments of bone or cartilage.
• Damaged joint surfaces or softening of the articular cartilage, known as chondromalacia.
• Inflammation of the synovial membrane, such as rheumatoid or gouty (crystalline arthropathy) arthritis.
• Abnormal alignment or instability of the kneecap.
• Torn ligaments, including the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

By providing a clear picture of the knee, arthroscopy can also help the orthopaedic surgeon decide whether other types of reconstructive surgery would be beneficial.

Is Arthroscopy for You?

An injured knee requires imediate attention.

Your family physician can refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation to determine whether you could benefit from arthroscopy.

Signs that you may be a candidate for this procedure include swelling, persistent pain, catching, giving way, and loss of confidence in your knee. When other treatments, such as the regular use of medications, knee supports, and physical therapy, have provided minimal or no improvement, you may benefit from arthroscopy.

Most arthroscopies are performed on patients between 20 and 60 years of age. Patients younger than 10 years of age and older than 80 years of age have benefited from the procedure as well.


















If you feel you may have an injury, please contact us to set an appointment for a knee exam.

Handicap Access
The AOS clinic and Lake Otis Medical Plaza is completely accessible to patients with any physical conditions and complies fully with all ADA code requirements. The building facilitates close drop off for special transportation services available through the municipality of Anchorage and for those with their own special transportation and parking needs. The office is also conveniently accessible by way of the local bus system





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You may request a copy of your medical records by simply completing a Release of Information form and turning into our office via fax, mail, or bringing it in. Our office will have those records ready for you within 5 business days from the date that we receive your request. Please bring a Photo I.D. when picking up your records.

How do I schedule an appointment?
All you have to do is give our office a call at 907-562-4142 and one of our friendly staff would be glad to assist you through the appointment process. You may also use the Request Appointment page of this site. Our office hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

How far in advance should I make an appointment?
Just give us a call and in most cases we can fit you in within the same week. Remember we do not require a referral to see you.

Will my appointment be cancelled if I am running late?
NO! Here at Alaska Orthopaedic Specialists we understand that unforeseen circumstances come along, i.e. the weather, traffic, and just life in general. We will gladly see you as soon as you can get here.

What should I do if I find it necessary to cancel my appointment?
As a courtesy we ask that you give our office a call as soon as you are aware of the schedule change.

What should I be prepared for on my first visit to the office?

• Arrive 1 hour early for x-rays and to fill out the necessary forms.
• Bring your insurance cards and driver’s license or photo I.D.
• Bring any copies of x-rays, MRI’s, or medical records if you have had previous treatment for the injury for which you are being seen.
• A pair of shorts for the exam.

• New Patient Packet
• Welcome Letter
  
• Patient Registration
  
• Initial Patient Medical History
  
• Pre-Op Assessment and History
  
• Knee Questionaire
  
• Post Operation Map
  
• Financial Policy
  

Causes of Stress on Knee

• Scale of Activity Related Stress on Knee

An injured knee requires imediate attention.

Signs that you may have a an injury include swelling, persistent pain, catching, giving way, and loss of confidence in your knee. When other treatments, such as the regular use of medications, knee supports, and physical therapy, have provided minimal or no improvement, you may benefit from an evaluation.

The orthopaedic knee evaluation usually consists of a medical history, a physical examination, and X-rays. Watch a video of a knee evaluation to learn more.

If you feel you may have an injury, please contact us to set an appointment for an evaluation.