-Arthroscopy diagnoses several knee problems, such as a torn meniscus or a misaligned patella (kneecap). It can also repair the ligaments of the joint. There are limited risks to the procedure and the outlook is good for most patients.
-The recovery time and prognosis will depend on the severity of the knee problem and the complexity of the required procedure.
Most patients recover completely within a week and are able to resume all daily activities without pain.
Arthroscopic surgery can diagnose and treat knee injuries, including:
• torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
• torn meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)
• patella that’s out of position
• pieces of torn cartilage that are loose in the joint
• removal of a Baker’s cyst
• fractures in the knee bones
• swollen synovium (the lining in the joint)
What Happens During a Knee Arthroscopy?
-The patient may choose the type of anesthesia he/she prefers:
• local (numbs the knee only)
• regional (numbs from the waist down)
• general (puts the patient completely to sleep)
If the patient is awake, he/she may be able to watch the procedure on a monitor!
The surgeon will begin by making two small incisions, or cuts, in the knee. Sterile salt water, or saline, will then pump in to expand the knee. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see inside the joint. The arthroscope enters one of the cuts and the surgeon will look around in the joint using the attached camera. The surgeon can see the images produced by the camera on the monitor in the operating room.
When the surgeon locates the problem in the knee, they may then insert small tools into the incisions to correct the issue. After the surgery, the surgeon drains the saline from the joint and closes the cuts with stitches.
What Are the Risks Associated with a Knee Arthroscopy?
-Knee arthroscopy is considered minimally invasive , as opposed to open knee surgery, so the risk of infection, bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissues is extremely rare.
What Is Recovery Like After a Knee Arthroscopy?
-For most people, the procedure takes less than an hour. The patient is able to go home on the same day after surgery.
The patient is given an exercise regimen to follow at home straight away and/or will be referred to physiotherapy.
The exercises are necessary to help restore the full range of motion of the knee and to strengthen the muscles.
With the proper care, the outlook after having knee arthroscopy is excellent!
