The Nano Experience
for Knee and Hip
How Does Nano Work?
Nano arthroscopy is an extremely minimally invasive form of surgery that uses a tiny camera on a needle-like device to navigate in small joint spaces, including those in the knee and hip. Nano arthroscopy procedures result in improved patient outcomes,1 the potential for reduced time from injury to recovery,2 less need for narcotic medications than traditional surgery,3 and a small scar.
Most Nano arthroscopy procedures can be performed outside an operating room setting. Your doctor will work with you to customize the Nano Experience to your comfort level, including the level of anesthesia you prefer from local (allows you to remain awake) to twilight (light sedation).
For patients who are not able to undergo MRI, Nano arthroscopy can help your doctor see and diagnose your injury or condition in an office setting.
The Nano Experience
Hear from Rachel Schmitt, a real Nano Experience patient, about her experience receiving Nano surgery for a knee injury.
What Can Nano Treat?
Nonsurgical options like injections, medications, and physical therapy may help improve some knee conditions. If these conservative treatments are not right for you or they have failed to provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix the underlying problem causing your symptoms.
Nano arthroscopy techniques can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of injuries and conditions, including:
Meniscal Injuries
The meniscus is the piece of protective tissue, called cartilage, that acts like a cushion between your tibia (shinbone) and femur (thigh bone) and plays a role in knee stability. It can become injured or torn and can deteriorate due to age and/or conditions like osteoarthritis. Injuries to the meniscus can be painful and result in other symptoms, including stiffness and swelling, a sensation of catching or giving way, and limited range of motion.
Nano arthroscopy can be used to repair meniscus tears, as well as debride the meniscus (remove torn fragments of cartilage).
Damaged Cartilage
Cartilage, a soft and supportive tissue, plays an important role within your joints, providing a protective surface between connecting bones. When cartilage is damaged, bones can rub together and cause additional damage and pain.
Your doctor can use Nano arthroscopy equipment to complete a chondroplasty procedure, which repairs and reshapes damaged cartilage in the knee to create a smooth surface.
ACL Injuries
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides stability and support during daily activities, including sports, chores, walking, and more. It can be injured through different kinds of motion, such as pivoting, landing awkwardly, and stopping suddenly.4 Symptoms of an ACL injury include a loud pop or popping sensation, pain and swelling, loss of range of motion, and an inability to continue your activity.
ACL repair is an innovative option for patients with certain types of ACL tears. Your doctor can use Nano arthroscopy to determine if you are a good candidate for ACL repair and, if so, perform a repair.
For patients with ACL tears that are not repairable, your doctor can use Nano arthroscopy to perform an ACL reconstruction.
For additional information on ACL treatment options, please visit ACLTear.com.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
The tibial plateau is the flat “top” portion of your shinbone (tibia) that runs from below your kneecap to your ankle. It helps your knee bend and straighten. Fractures of this bone are often the result of traumatic injuries, such as car crashes and falls.
Your doctor may use Nano arthroscopy instrumentation to view the fracture pattern and remove loose slivers of bone, if necessary.
Knee and Hip Repairs
For more complicated repairs of the bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments of the knee and hip, your surgeon may use Nano arthroscopy instrumentation as part of a larger surgical treatment plan.
Hip Injuries
The hip is a "ball and socket" joint that allows for lower body motion and rotation. There are many common injuries of the hip, including those that impact the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that make up that area of your body.
Many things can cause hip injuries, including trauma, overuse ("wear and tear"), age, falls, and more. Additionally, arthritis is a common condition of the hip.
Nano arthroscopy can be used to see inside the hip to diagnose your injury or condition. In some cases, it can also be used to clean out loose or damaged tissue, repair tendons and ligaments, and perform cartilage repair procedures.
Recovery Timeline
If you need surgery, Nano arthroscopy procedures can help you return to work, daily activities, and even sports faster than traditional surgery.5
Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes.
Your doctor will provide specific guidance on what to do immediately after your procedure, including rest, weightbearing, and limiting movement. Most patients do not need to use as many narcotics as they would after traditional surgery.3
Why Nano Arthroscopy for the Knee and Hip?
One surgeon shares why he incorporates Nano arthroscopy into knee and hip procedures.
"I prefer Nano arthroscopy because it's one of the least invasive ways of seeing what's going on."
Winston-Salem, NC