Knee Arthroscopy: Everything You Need to Know

Dr.Aashish Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Arthroscopy is a technique for diagnosing and treating joint issues. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube into the joint, attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision. The perspective inside the joint is transmitted to a top-notch video screen.

Arthroscopy permits the surgeon to look inside the joint without making a large incision. Surgeons can even repair some types of joint damage during arthroscopy, with pencil-slim surgical instruments embedded through extra entry points.

What are the benefits of Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a viable option for diagnosing the joint condition and for confirming treatment for knee problems such as meniscal, ligaments tears, and cartilage wear. Arthroscopy can ultimately provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility. Attenuated rehabilitation time helps in maintaining a normal and active lifestyle with greater comfort is a key benefit of this procedure.

How do I prepare for Knee Arthroscopic surgery?

Your doctor or surgeon will advise you on how to prepare for your surgery. Make sure to enlighten them regarding any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements that you are presently taking. You may have to quit taking certain medications.

You should likewise cease eating and or drinking for six to 8 hours before the surgery. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you pain medication for any discomfort you may experience after the surgery. You should fill this prescription ahead of time so that you have it ready after the procedure.

What happens during a Knee Arthroscopic?

Your doctor will give you an anesthetic before your knee arthroscopy. The surgeon will start by making a couple of little entry points, or cuts, in your knee. Sterile water will then pump in to expand your knee. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see inside the joint. The arthroscope enters through one of the cuts and the surgeon will look inside your joint using the attached camera. The surgeon can see the images produced by the camera on the monitor in the operating room.

At the point when the specialist finds the issue in your knee, they may then embed little apparatus into the cuts to amend the issue. After the surgery, the surgeon drains the saline from your joint and closes your cuts with stitches.

What is recovery like after Knee Arthroscopic surgery?

This surgery isn’t very invasive. For most people, the procedure takes only 60- 90 minutes. You are likely to go home on the same day or the very next day for recovery. You should use an ice pack on your knee and a dressing. The ice will help to reduce swelling and minimize your pain.

Attempt to keep your leg elevated and put ice on it for a day or two to lessen swelling and pain. You’ll also need to change your dressing. Your doctor or surgeon will tell you when to do these things and for how long. Your doctor will give you an exercise regimen to follow at home to help your knee recover or will recommend a physical therapist to see you until you’re able to use your knee normally. The exercises are necessary to help restore your full range of motion and to strengthen your muscles. With the proper care, your outlook after having this procedure is excellent.

Patients will schedule a follow-up appointment with their surgeon seven days to two weeks following their knee surgery. Additional appointments may be scheduled based on the patient’s condition and recovery.

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