What you should know about Knee Arthroscopy

Knee pain and discomfort that require you to visit an orthopaedic doctor can be from an injury, overuse of the knee joints, weakness, or ageing. Knee arthroscopy is a relatively less invasive surgical procedure to diagnose as well as treat knee joint problems. The procedure involves the orthopaedic surgeon making a small incision in your knee to insert a small camera called an arthroscope to inspect the inside of your joint. The orthopaedic surgeon is then able to investigate the cause of the painful symptoms and, if required, take corrective steps with instruments within the arthroscope.

Knee arthroscopy is useful in diagnosing various issues, including:

• Inflamed joint linings
• Persistent stiffness and pain in joints
• Damaged or torn cartilage
• Build-up of fluid that must be drained
• Floating bone or cartilage fragments

Benefits of knee arthroscopy

Compared with other forms of open orthopaedic surgery, knee arthroscopy is less invasive. The procedure allows the doctor to investigate and diagnose problems using a small instrument and without making a big incision. In fact, in most cases, the arthroscopy is more than sufficient to solve a host of problems.

Knee arthroscopy can be the preferred and combined investigative and treatment procedure because of benefits such as:

• Faster healing or recovery time
• Less tissue damage as compared to open surgery
• Fewer stitches
• A lower risk of infection with a smaller incision
• Less post-procedure pain

What are the risks?

Knee arthroscopy is considered a low-risk procedure and serious complications from it are uncommon. However, as is the case with any surgery, there are some risks.

There are risks that exist with any surgical procedure that include:

• An increased risk of infection and bleeding during or after the procedure.
• Complications with anaesthesia. Some people may face allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

There are risks that are particular toknee arthroscopy surgery:

• Tissue or nerve damage: The movement and placement of arthroscopic surgical instruments within the joint can cause damage to the joint structure. There can be injury or damage to the ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, meniscus, or nerves of the knee.
• Infection inside the knee joint
• Bleeding in the joints
• Chronic stiffness in the knee joint
• Blood clots: The risk of blood clots in the legs increases with lengthier procedures than can extend beyond an hour.

These risks are fairly uncommon and most people make an uncomplicated recovery.

How to prepare for the procedure

The preparation plan that your orthopaedic surgeon will make for you will be specific to your condition and the problem that your doctor will be diagnosing and repairing in your joints. Your doctor may also have you prepare with gentle exercises to make the procedure easier for you.

A few basic precautions to keep in mind before your procedure are:

• Fast before your surgery: Depending on the kind of anaesthesia that will be administered to you during the procedure, you may be required to stop eating solid foods 8-12 hours before the arthroscopy.
• Avoid certain dietary supplements and medication: Your doctor may want you to avoid taking medication or dietary supplements (such as fish oil) that can increase the risk of blood thinning and excessive bleeding.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Choose clothing that you can easily dress in after the procedure.
• Arrange for help or an attendant for the day: You will not be allowed to drive by yourself after the procedure, so it is advisable to arrange for someone to pick you up. Also, if you live by yourself, ask a friend or family member to help you through the rest of the day.

Recovery after the procedure

Most knee arthroscopy procedures do not take longer than one hour. After that, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours before being sent home.

Your post-procedure care after the arthroscopy may include the following:

• R.I.C.E: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation is the basic care that will be advised by your doctor after the procedure for a few days, at least, to minimise the swelling and pain. You should use an ice pack on your knee and keep the site of the incision under dressing as advised by your doctor.
• Medication and other instructions: In addition to keeping your knee elevated and on ice, your dressing will have to be changed periodically. Your orthopaedic surgeon will provide you with precise instructions regarding follow-up appointments and medication to be taken to relieve inflammation and pain.
• Protection: You may be required to use a sling or crutches to protect your knee and avoid stressing the joint after your procedure.
• Physical therapy and exercise: You may be recommended a physical therapist to see until you are able to gain full function of your knee(s). The exercise regimen that your doctor will have you follow at home is an important part of your post-procedure care. Physical rehabilitation and exercises will help you strengthen your muscles and help restore the full range of motion of your knee joint.

Of the many open surgical procedures that are available for investigating and repairing joint problems, knee arthroscopy is one of the intrusive and complicated. While there are certain risks that follow any surgical procedure, the minimal nature of a knee arthroscopy means that most patients make a simple recovery and do not undergo serious complications during the procedure as well.

The severity of the knee problem directly impacts the time it takes to recover fully and the long-term outcome of the treatment as well. However, following the recovery plan of your orthopaedic surgeon, which includes exercise/ physical therapy and proper self-care minimises post-procedure issues and maximises recovery. Learn more about knee arthroscopy from the orthopaedic surgeons in Sagar Hospitals, the best orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore.