Knee Arthroscopy
Camera-guided surgery for selected mechanical symptoms, loose bodies, cartilage flaps or meniscus problems.
- Small incisions
- Mechanical symptom treatment
- Not every arthritis problem benefits
Knee symptoms that deserve a clear orthopedic diagnosis.
Patients do not always know whether they have arthritis, a meniscus tear, ligament injury, cartilage problem, bursitis, Baker's cyst or fracture. They usually know what knee pain is preventing them from doing.
🚶Knee pain with walkingArthritis, meniscus tears, cartilage problems or tendon pain may contribute.
🪜Pain on stairsCommon with arthritis, patellofemoral pain, kneecap tracking issues or weakness.
💧Swelling or knee effusionSwelling after activity or injury can help guide the diagnosis.
🔒Locking, catching or clickingMay involve a meniscus tear, loose body or cartilage flap.
↘️Giving way or instabilityCan be related to ACL injury, patellar instability, weakness or pain inhibition.
⬅️Pain behind the kneeBaker's cysts, swelling, arthritis or meniscus pathology may contribute.
🔁Kneecap slippingPatellar instability can cause apprehension, swelling and recurrent dislocation.
🩻Fall, twist or collisionFractures, tendon ruptures, ligament tears and meniscus injuries should be evaluated.
Diagnosis first
The right plan starts with knowing what is actually causing the pain.
Knee pain can be deceptively similar across very different problems. Arthritis, a meniscus tear, patellar instability, a Baker's cyst, a ligament injury and fracture pain can overlap. A focused history, exam and imaging review helps match treatment to the actual problem.
✓ Review X-rays, MRI or prior treatment when available
✓ Separate mechanical symptoms from inflammatory flares
✓ Match treatment to pain, function, activity goals and imaging
Common knee conditions treated.
Knee pain can come from bone, cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, tendons, bursa, swelling or referred sources. The evaluation helps identify the main driver of pain and function loss.
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Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and inflammatory patterns can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and activity limitation.
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Meniscus Tears
Twisting injuries or degenerative tears may cause joint-line pain, swelling, catching, locking or pain with squatting.
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ACL Tears
Pivoting injuries, sudden deceleration, falls or sports injuries may cause swelling, instability and difficulty returning to cutting activities.
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Patellar Instability
Kneecap dislocations, subluxations, MPFL injuries and recurrent apprehension with sports or daily activity.
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Bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis, pes anserine bursitis and irritation from kneeling, overuse or inflammation.
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Baker's Cysts
Posterior knee swelling often associated with arthritis, meniscus pathology or underlying joint effusion.
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Loose Bodies
Cartilage or bone fragments can cause catching, locking, swelling or motion blocks.
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Knee Effusions
Swelling may come from arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injury, cartilage injury, fracture or inflammation.
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Cartilage Injuries
Focal cartilage defects, chondral flaps, patellofemoral cartilage wear and osteochondral injuries.
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Fractures Around the Knee
Patella fractures, tibial plateau fractures, distal femur fractures and proximal tibia/fibula injuries.
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Tendon Ruptures
Quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon ruptures can make it difficult or impossible to actively straighten the knee.
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Overuse & Sports Pain
Patellar tendinitis, IT band pain, runner's knee, jumper's knee and training-related symptoms.
Understanding the knee.
The knee is a complex hinge joint. Pain can come from cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, kneecap tracking, tendons, bursa, cysts or bone. These structures often overlap, so the exam and imaging matter.
Extensor mechanism view: quadriceps tendon, patella and patellar tendon work together to straighten the knee.
Deep joint view: meniscus, ACL, PCL, collateral ligaments, trochlea and pes anserine help explain pain, swelling and instability.
Key structures patients hear about.
Each tile below connects an anatomic structure to the symptoms patients notice: pain, swelling, catching, instability, weakness or difficulty with stairs and activity.
🧊Articular cartilageSmooth joint surface affected by arthritis and cartilage injuries.
🌙MeniscusC-shaped cushion that can tear, catch, swell or cause joint-line pain.
🏃ACL / PCLCentral ligaments that control front-back and pivoting stability.
🧭MCL / LCLSide ligaments that support valgus and varus stability.
🔁Patella / MPFL / trochleaKneecap tracking structures involved in instability and anterior knee pain.
💪Quadriceps tendonConnects thigh muscles to the kneecap and powers knee extension.
🧵Patellar tendonConnects the patella to the tibia; injured in tendonitis or rupture.
🦴Femur, tibia, fibulaBones around the knee may fracture or develop arthritis alignment issues.
📍Pes anserineMedial tibial tendon attachment that can contribute to inner knee pain.
💧Bursa / Baker's cystFluid-related swelling often reflects irritation inside or around the knee.
Treatment options
Start with the right diagnosis, then choose the least invasive effective plan.
Most knee problems deserve a thoughtful discussion of both nonsurgical and surgical options. The right pathway depends on the diagnosis, imaging, severity, activity goals, health, timing and response to prior care.
Nonoperative care
✓ Topical or oral anti-inflammatories when appropriate
✓ Bracing, sleeves, unloader braces or patellar stabilizing braces
✓ Physical therapy, strengthening, gait work and activity progression
✓ Cortisone, hyaluronic acid or orthobiologics in selected cases
Surgical care
✓ Knee arthroscopy, meniscus repair or loose body removal
✓ ACL reconstruction or MPFL reconstruction
✓ Tendon repair or reconstruction
✓ Fracture fixation or Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement
Knee arthritis and replacement
When arthritis becomes the main limitation, replacement may become part of the conversation.
Not every arthritic knee needs surgery. When arthritis is advanced and pain limits walking, sleep, stairs, travel or independence despite appropriate nonsurgical care, total knee replacement may be reasonable to discuss.
✓ Nonoperative options are usually considered first
✓ X-rays help confirm arthritis severity and pattern
✓ Replacement resurfaces damaged bone and cartilage with durable components
✓ Recovery still depends on swelling control, motion and strengthening
🤖 Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement
Technology matters most when it supports good surgical judgment.
For selected patients with advanced knee arthritis, Dr. Barnes may use Mako robotic-assisted technology as part of knee replacement planning and execution. The robot does not perform the surgery independently. It is a surgeon-controlled tool used when it fits the patient, diagnosis and goals.
✓ Advanced planning and implant positioning
✓ Personalized sizing, alignment and balancing goals
✓ Surgeon-controlled robotic assistance
✓ Recovery plan focused on motion, strength and function
Knee procedures.
Procedure recommendations are individualized after exam, imaging review and a discussion of goals, nonsurgical alternatives and recovery expectations.
Meniscus Repair or Partial Meniscectomy
Some tears can be repaired. Others may require trimming when symptoms remain mechanical and limiting.
- Depends on tear pattern
- Recovery differs by procedure
- Arthritis changes matter
ACL Reconstruction
For selected patients with instability, pivoting demands, athletic goals or associated injuries.
- Graft choice individualized
- Rehab is essential
- Return to sport is criteria-based
MPFL Reconstruction
For recurrent patellar instability, kneecap dislocations or subluxation patterns.
- Improves kneecap stability
- May require alignment workup
- Return depends on strength
Tendon Repair or Reconstruction
Quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon ruptures may require repair or reconstruction.
- Protected motion
- Brace support
- Staged strengthening
Fracture Fixation
Fractures around the knee may require plates, screws, nails or other fixation depending on pattern.
- Patella, tibial plateau, distal femur
- Fixation depends on stability
- Protected weight bearing may be needed
Surgical risks
All surgery has risk, including pain, bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding tissues, stiffness, need for additional procedures, blood clot, implant or fixation failure, tendon or ligament failure, heart attack, stroke and death. These risks are low, but they are not zero.
Knee care for active Havasu lives.
The goal is not just treating a diagnosis. It is helping patients return to the life they actually live in Lake Havasu and the surrounding desert communities.
🏓Pickleball & tennisMeniscus flares, arthritis, calf strains, falls and tendon pain.⛳Golf & walkingArthritis, swelling, medial knee pain and stiffness.🏫Youth sportsACL, meniscus, patellar instability and growth-related pain.🌊Lake injuriesWakeboarding, skiing, boat ladder injuries and twisting trauma.🏜️Desert sportsUTV/ATV injuries, fractures and ligament tears.🌞Active agingWalking, stairs, independence, travel and fitness.
Knee FAQ.
Common questions from patients with knee pain, swelling, arthritis and sports injuries.
Do I need an MRI for knee pain?
Not always. X-rays, exam findings, swelling, injury history and mechanical symptoms help determine whether MRI is useful.
How do I know if my knee pain is arthritis or a meniscus tear?
They can overlap. Arthritis often causes stiffness, aching, swelling and activity-related pain. Meniscus tears may cause joint-line pain, catching, locking or pain with twisting.
When is knee swelling concerning?
Rapid swelling after injury, inability to bear weight, fever, redness, severe pain, deformity or loss of motion should be evaluated.
Can cortisone help knee arthritis?
Cortisone may reduce inflammation and pain for selected patients, but it is not a cure and should be used thoughtfully.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like injection option used for selected arthritis patients depending on symptoms, severity and coverage.
Can PRP help knee pain?
PRP may be considered for selected tendon, ligament, cartilage or arthritis-related conditions, but it is not appropriate for every patient. Learn more on the Orthobiologics page.
When is knee replacement reasonable?
Usually when arthritis is advanced, symptoms meaningfully limit life, imaging supports the diagnosis, and nonoperative care no longer provides acceptable relief.
Does the robot do the knee replacement?
No. Robotic assistance is surgeon-controlled. It helps with planning and precision, but the surgeon performs the operation.
Need help with knee pain?
Schedule a focused knee evaluation with Dr. Barnes in Lake Havasu City.