Overview
A knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that looks into your knee using a tiny camera. The camera and surgical instruments are inserted into your knee through small incisions. Knee orthoscopy is performed only when symptoms such as knee pain or suspected internal bone joint degeneration are not relieved by medication and other treatment protocols.
Knee arthroscopy detects and enables surgeons to address a range of knee joint issues, including inflammation, cartilage degradation, and ligament tears. Compared to open surgery, knee arthroscopy has several advantages, including smaller incisions that result in less scarring, faster healing, and less pain after surgery. With a decreased chance of problems and shorter hospital stays, this method frequently enables patients to resume their regular activities more quickly.
Common Knee Conditions Diagnosed and Treated With Arthroscopy
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligaments, which join bones to bones, and tendons, which join muscles to bones, are soft tissues. While management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is a common procedure, a more conservative approach is considered for medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears. Bursitis, torn meniscus, and patellar tendonitis are among the other most frequent knee injuries managed by arthroscopy.
- Fracture: The interior of your knee may have broken or chipped bones. When your bone breaks, fragments of cartilage (the stretchy substance that makes bones glide against one another) may occasionally break off. Arthroscopy is an adjuvant detection and management protocol for fractures or cartilage issues.
- Inflammation: An inflammatory reaction can cause the synovium inside a joint to swell and become irritating. The soft tissue inside a joint is called synovium. Physicians refer to this ailment as synovitis. Arthroscopy is used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of inflammation.
Preparation For Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
Inform your doctor about your medications and allergies before a knee arthroscopy. You may be required to stop taking some drugs, like blood thinners. You may also be required to fast for a specific period prior to the surgery.
Your doctor will administer anaesthesia so you don't experience any discomfort during knee surgery. Your physician might suggest:
- A local anaesthetic to make the region numb
- A regional anaesthetic to make you numb from the waist down
- A general anaesthesia to put you to sleep throughout the surgery
Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
- It involves putting your knee in a supporting device and cleaning your leg. Throughout the process, the device ensures that your knee remains in the right position.
- Creates a tiny slit in your knee and places an arthroscope, a long metal instrument into the incision. The end of the arthroscope is equipped with a camera. In the operating room, images from the camera are displayed on a screen.
- Identifies injuries and directs the process by looking at the images on the display. If surgery is required, your doctor will create more incisions in your knee and place small instruments through them.
- Eliminates damaged or inflammatory tissues, repairs torn tissues, and shaves off damaged bone or cartilage. For these duties, your healthcare provider employs technologies specifically made for that purpose.
- Covers your knee in a larger bandage or dressing and uses stitches or tiny bandages to close the incisions.
After The Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
- Remain Off Your Feet: For a few days, refrain from bearing weight on your knee. To get around, you might use a walker or crutches.
- Elevate Your Knee: Rest with your leg raised to minimise pain and swelling. Keep your knee above your heart as much as possible.
- Take Pain Medications: Your doctor can suggest prescription painkillers or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). When using pain medication, adhere to your doctor's directions. Additionally, you could require medication to lessen oedema or avoid blood clots.
- Keep Your Incisions Covered: Keep the region clean and ensure the bandage remains on your knee. Ask your doctor when you can bathe, shower, or remove the dressing following your treatment.
Risks Associated With Knee Arthroscopy
It is uncommon for knee arthroscopy to cause complications. Knee arthroscopy carries the same dangers as any other surgery: infection and bleeding.
Recovery Tips After Knee Arthroscopy
- Knee icing for 20 minutes at least four times a day.
- Limiting walking to simple household tasks for the first two to four weeks after surgery.
- After walking or every six hours, raise the extremities to the level of the heart or higher.
- Observing the detailed written instructions provided by the doctor.
- Keeping a healthy blood glucose level and diet.
- For four weeks, avoid immersing the wound in pools or water.
- Showering every day and changing dressings appropriately once a day are permitted.
- Attend physical treatment sessions and carry out prescribed exercises.
- Limit your activities until the pain and swelling have subsided if there is any lingering discomfort.
Why Choose Nanavati Max Hospital For Knee Arthroscopy?
Nanavati Max Hospital is the best option for knee arthroscopy, as it specialises in minimally invasive techniques. With its expertise in knee procedures, our talented orthopaedic surgeons guarantee accurate care with the least amount of disturbance. Thanks to its cutting-edge equipment, we offer precise diagnosis and efficient treatment for a range of knee issues.
We provide thorough rehabilitation and individualised aftercare to promote a quick and ideal recovery. With a great track record of successful procedures and excellent patient satisfaction, Nanavati Max Hospital is devoted to providing the best outcomes. You can rely on us to take good care of your knee and help you at every stage of your recovery.
Outlook
As knee arthroscopy continues to develop in tandem with technological and surgical breakthroughs, the future of this procedure is bright. Compared to open operations, knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides patients with shorter recovery times, less pain after surgery, and smaller scars. Its enhanced diagnostic capabilities make it possible to identify knee joint problems such as inflammation, cartilage degradation, and ligament tears with more accuracy. It is anticipated that knee arthroscopy will become an even more successful treatment for a greater variety of knee diseases as orthopaedic surgeons develop their knowledge and abilities. With continuous advancements targeted at improving results and cutting recovery periods, knee arthroscopy has a bright future ahead of it, making it the go-to option for treating knee issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Conditions Can Be Treated with Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy can detect or address ligament tears, cartilage damage, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, patellar issues, removal of loose bodies in the joint and joint inflammation.
2. How Long Does The Knee Arthroscopy Procedure Take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity.
3. How Long is The Recovery after Knee Arthroscopy?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks, with most patients returning to light activities in 1-2 weeks and full recovery within 4-6 weeks with a proper rehabilitation program.
4. Are There Any Risks Associated with Knee Arthroscopy?
While rare, risks include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, stiffness, or anaesthesia-related complications.
5. Will I Need Physical Therapy After Knee Arthroscopy?
Yes, physical therapy is often recommended to restore mobility, strength, and function in the knee.
6. Who Can Perform Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is performed by orthopaedic surgeons specialising in minimally invasive procedures.
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