Knee Arthroscopy: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Benefits, & Recovery

Knee Arthroscopy is a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure performed for diagnosing and treating knee disorders. This procedure has a high success rate and helps patients experience improved mobility and quality of life.

Table of Contents

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1. What is knee arthroscopy?
2. When is it needed?
3. How to prepare for Knee Arthroscopy?
4. What Happens During the Procedure?
5. What does the Recovery look like?
6. Are there any complications associated with Knee Arthroscopy?

Takeaway

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which is routinely recommended for diagnosing and treating knee joint problems. During this procedure, the Best Bone Specialist in Gurgaon makes small keyhole incisions and inserts an instrument known as an arthroscope (with a tiny camera) into the knee. The instrument allows the surgeon to view the internal structure of the joint on the operating room's screen. Thereafter, the surgeon can identify the cause of concern within the knee. The disorder can then be treated using small instruments through the arthroscope.

Arthroscopy is used for diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee disorders like a malaligned patella, a torn meniscus or ACL Ligament, removal of loose bodies and many others.

Knee arthroscopy surgery is generally preferred over other forms of treatments because it involves:

• Minimally invasive surgical technique
• Faster healing time
• Lesser tissue damage
• Lesser pain after the surgical procedure
• Early return to activity

When is it needed?

Knee Arthroscopy surgery is routinely used for diagnosing and treating knee injuries such as:

• Torn meniscus (the cartilage between the knee bones)
• Torn posterior or anterior cruciate ligaments
• Removal of a Baker's cyst
• Osteochondral fractures in the knee bones
• Swollen synovium (the joint lining)
• Cartilage disorders of the knee joint

How to prepare for Knee Arthroscopy?

The surgeon provides instructions on how to prepare for knee arthroscopy. It is important for the patient to provide information about the use of any over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or supplements. Basic blood investigations are done to check the fitness for anaesthesia. The surgeon may ask the patient to stop taking specific medications like ibuprofen or aspirin for a few days before the procedure.

The patient is asked to avoid drinking or eating for at least 6-12 hours before the knee arthroscopy. On the day of surgery, the patient gets admitted in the hospital and is sent home by evening or the next day.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Usually, the procedure can be done under regional anaesthesia. After anaesthesia is given by anaesthetist, the surgeon starts making a few small keyhole incisions around the knee. Sterile saline is then pumped inside the knee for expansion of the knee. This makes it easier for the surgeon and the support team to clearly and precisely view inside the joint. Once this is done, the arthroscope is inserted in one of the incisions. The surgeon then looks around the joint through an attached camera.

Once the cause of concern is identified, the surgeon inserts small instruments through another keyhole incision to correct the problematic areas. After the knee arthroscopy procedure, saline is drained out from the joint and the incisions are closed with sutures ( usually 1-2 stitches are required for incisions).

What does the Recovery look like?

Knee arthroscopy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that usually takes less than an hour. The patient may get discharged on the same day of the surgery. It is recommended that prior arrangements for ice packs and a dressing be made to reduce swelling and pain.

The surgeon will prescribe some pain medications and ask the patient to keep the leg elevated at least for the first day. A walking aid may be advised initially for comfort. The dressing is required to be changed once after the surgery on day 3 or 4 and then stitches can be removed by day 12 to 14 from surgery.

An exercise regimen needs to be followed at home. The exercises will help the patient restore their full range of motion, strengthen their muscles, and get back to normal activities.

Are there any complications associated with Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure, but it may in rare cases lead to minor side effects such as stiffness in the knee, soreness, swelling, or mild pain. However, these side effects generally subside on their own or with minimal treatment.

At Joint And Bone Solutions, you will get the right suggestions and treatment with minimum risk of side effects when it comes to Best Arthroscopy Surgery in Gurgaon from the best knee arthroscopy surgeon in Gurgaon.

Takeaway

In the past, most of the surgical procedures were performed through large incisions. One of the most significant advantages of knee arthroscopic surgery is that the surgeon can perform the procedure with minimally invasive technique without causing any damage to the adjoining normal joint structures.

Call Joint And Bone Solutions now for the best knee arthroscopy. When you choose us, you can easily avail the top class services at affordable pricing.

References

1^ What is knee arthroscopy? | Medicalnewstoday.com | January 23, 2021

2^ What Happens During the Procedure? | Healthline.com | January 23, 2021