Each month, we like to highlight a case that might help other people who experience similar symptoms understand their surgical options. Please consult with your doctor as this is not considered medical advice. This patient has agreed to share their story. *Names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Mary* is a 77 year old patient of Dr. Tchejeyan who was experiencing a strange grinding sound under her kneecap every time she bent and straightened her knee. She also experienced pain every time she got up out of a chair. After having a knee replacement surgery 4 years ago, Mary began experiencing increasing pain every time she got out of a chair.
The Success of Knee Arthroscopy After Knee Replacement
With knee replacement surgeries, it’s possible that patients may experience issues post-surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to have it re-done; they may just need to clean up some scar tissue that has developed.
To do this, surgeons use an arthroscopic tool called a resector to remove the scar tissue that developed in between the joints. If this tissue becomes impinged, or pinched, between the metal and the plastic it can cause discomfort. In Mary’s case, it was the tissue under the kneecap (patella) causing the most pain.
To remedy this, Dr. Tchejeyan used the resector and cleaned up the scar tissue with arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopy (sometimes called keyhole surgery) is a method in which surgeons examine or treat damage using a small arthroscope that is inserted into a small incision in order to view the joint.
The problem area receives localized anesthetic and then a 5mm porthole, or keyhole, is made simply to accommodate the camera.
With the camera (arthroscope) in place, the surgeon is able to see a live view of the surgical area. As you may remember from our Knee Anatomy 101 post, the top of the knee is the patella. In knee replacements, the patella is resurfaced with a plastic piece, which can be seen in Mary’s surgery images below.
Above this piece (her kneecap), the scar tissue developed, and was getting caught when she bent and straightened her knee. Dr. T. used his resector which has little teeth and a vacuum on it, to remove all of the tissue in and around the patella. The surgery was a success, and now Mary, like many other past knee replacement patients, has experienced much relief!
Relief Is Possible!
When your joints stop you from the activities you love, it’s time to seek professional guidance. Dr. T. understands how important it is to restore health in order to resume normal physical activity as soon as possible. With over 10,000 surgeries under his belt and an outstanding accuracy record, he’s known as the “L.A. Knee Guy” – and for good reason! Rather than rush to another knee replacement surgery, Dr. T. and Mary were able to come to a decision that would help her get back to the activities she enjoys!
Below is the video footage from Mary’s surgery explained by Dr. Tchejeyan himself.
