What is the primary purpose of arthroscopy of the knee?

The primary purpose of arthroscopy of the knee is to identify joint injury and facilitate surgical repair. This minimally invasive procedure allows physicians to directly visualize the interior of the knee joint using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments. By doing so, surgeons can diagnose various conditions, such as ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and cartilage damage, with a high degree of accuracy.

Once injuries are identified through arthroscopy, surgeons can also perform therapeutic interventions simultaneously, such as repairing torn structures or removing damaged tissue. This ability to visualize and treat problems within the knee joint concurrently is a key advantage of arthroscopy, leading to improved patient outcomes and quicker recovery times compared to open surgeries.

Other options do not encapsulate the primary purpose as accurately. While assessing for muscle tears may be part of a broader evaluation, it is not the main focus of arthroscopy. Similarly, replacing damaged cartilage is a more invasive procedure and not a primary goal of arthroscopy itself, which is primarily diagnostic and minimally reparative. Realigning the knee joint may involve different procedures such as osteotomy, which are separate from the goals of arthroscopy.