All You Need to Know About Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which the structure of the knee joints is diagnosed and operated using a tube-shaped device, which is known as ‘arthroscope’. This surgical procedure became very popular in 1960 and it is practiced worldwide today.  The surgery is performed by orthopedic doctors in an outpatient location. So, patients can immediately go home once the surgery is finished.

During the arthroscopic surgery, an arthroscopic instrument is inserted by making small cuts in the patient’s skin and then an examination is started by the surgeon. The arthroscopic is connected with a video camera, so the internal structure of the knee joints can be viewed on a large size television or monitor screen. Arthroscopic is available in a range of sizes, from as small as 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The arthroscopic device’s size is chosen based on the size of the knee joint.

If any procedure is done apart from joint examination using the arthroscope, it is known as arthroscopic surgery. If a surgery is done using arthroscopic technique instead of the traditional techniques, it causes small incision, less pain and quicker recovery.

When Arthroscopy Surgery is performed?

Arthroscopy is performed in the treatment of a number of inflammatory, non-inflammatory and contagious types of arthritis, and also in the diagnosis of joints after an accidental injury. It is also performed before total knee arthroplasty surgery. Arthroscopy can turn out to be a very useful surgery when the diagnosis by simply aspirating and analyzing the joint fluid isn’t giving essential information.

There are several common joint injuries such as cartilage tears, ligament strains and tears, and cartilage weakening beneath the kneecap for which Arthroscopy is performed. It is frequently used in the examination of the knee and shoulder joints, as well as to heal the wrist, ankles, and elbows. Slack tissues or foreign objects too can be removed using this surgical technique.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

The orthopedic surgeons first determine if the patient is a candidate for Arthroscopy or not. Fundamentally, it is a bloodless surgical procedure which has minimum complications. The patient should be capable of enduring the anesthetic which is given during the process. The patient should not be suffering from any lung and heart problems.

The issues like heart failure or emphysema should be addressed before undergoing Arthroscopy surgery. Patients who are taking blood thinners ought to take their medicines for the same before the surgery. Other medical complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes should be handled before and during the surgery.

Pre-operation steps include a physical check-up, blood test and urine analysis. Patients who have a track record of heart and lung problems are asked for electrocardiogram (EKG) and a chest X-ray, which is quite common in the case of all patients who are above 50 years of age. If any infection is found in the body, it may delay the Arthroscopy surgery.

How it is performed?

Anesthesia is given before surgery and then a tiny incision is made on the side of the joint under treatment. An arthroscope is slowly inserted through the small cut and, sometimes, another cut is made to place other instruments in order to get a perfect view of the inner structure of the joint. The additional instruments can also be operated to cut, sew or remove the damaged tissues. Once the surgery is completed, the arthroscope is taken out and the incisions are sewn expertly. A germfree bandage is placed over the cut and an ACE wrap may be positioned in the region of the joint.

Arthroscopic surgery recovery

Medicines are prescribed immediately after the surgery to control the pain, if required. However, if local anesthesia is given, there won’t be any pain experienced after the surgery. The incisions are tiny in size and bandaged after surgery. Don’t remove this bandage without a guideline of your surgeon or nurse. If you experience disabling joint pain, redness or swelling, you must contact your surgeon immediately. Follow an exercise schedule instructed by a physiotherapist recommended by your surgeon. This will help your muscles recover and regain their strength quickly. A rehabilitation program is a must in arthroscopic knee surgery recovery too.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical care or medical advice and is not a replacement for medical care given by your physicians or trained medical personnel.