Learn about Knee Arthroscopy

Dr.Aashish Chaudhry, 4 mins read

Knee Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view and examine the knee joint without having to make a large cut(incision) through the skin and other soft tissues in the knee. Arthroscopy is applied and used for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of knee problems.

In case you’re considering having a knee arthroscopy in Dwarka, the procedure involves a surgeon inserting a small camera; an arthroscope, into the knee joint from where the camera displays pictures on a monitor screen, and the surgeon uses these images to navigate and guide miniature surgical instruments inside. Don’t worry about large cuts as the arthroscope and surgical instruments are quite thin, our surgeons can use very tiny incisions to perform the procedure rather than the larger incisions needed for open surgeries. This causes lesser pain for our patients along with lesser joint stiffness and often reduces the time it will take to recover and return to normal activities.

We perform all knee-related arthroscopes and you’ll have some of Delhi’s best surgeons for knee arthroscopy on your side along with a dedicated pre and post-operation care team.

The Anatomy of the Knee: -

You must understand that your knee is the largest joint in your body and appreciate the fact that it is also one of the most complex. The bones that form the knee include the thigh bone (lower end of the femur), the shin bone (upper end of the tibia), and the kneecap (patella).

Other important structures that make up the knee joint include:

• Articular cartilage which covers the ends of the femur and tibia, and the back of the patella and helps knee bones glide smoothly across each other when the knee moves.
• Synovium, a thin lining surrounding the Knee joint, the lining releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction while moving.
• Meniscus, pieces of meniscal cartilage which act as "shock absorbers" between the femur and tibia. The meniscus is tough and rubbery which helps cushion and stabilize the joint.
• Ligaments, which connect bones and act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and keep the knee stable.

When Knee Arthroscopy is Recommended:-

If you begin experiencing persistent knee pain, we suggest you undergo a knee arthroscopy as it is a conclusive way for doctors to confirm the source of your knee pain and treat the problem. Our doctors only recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that has not responded to non-surgical treatment like rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that help reduce inflammation. Knee arthroscopy can relieve many painful symptoms from complications that damage the surface of the cartilage and other soft tissues that surround the joint.

Arthroscopic procedures can be used for:

• Removing or repairing a torn meniscus
• Reconstructing a torn anterior cruciate ligament
• Removing inflamed synovial tissue
• Trimming damaged articular cartilage
• Removing loose fragments of bone or cartilage
• Treating kneecap problems
• Treating knee sepsis (infection)

Preparation for Surgery: -

Evaluations and Testing:

Our orthopaedic surgeon will recommend that you see a primary doctor to first assess your general health before the surgery, the doctor will identify any pre-existing problems that could hinder the procedure. In case you have health risks, a further evaluation may be required before your surgery.

To help you plan your procedure, our team of orthopaedic surgeons and caregivers will help you plan the preoperative tests you’ll need and we can perform all screening tests at our hospital for knee arthroscopy in Dwarka. These include blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

If you are declared healthy, the knee arthroscopy will be performed as an outpatient which means you won’t need to stay the night at the hospital unless there is some provisional care required later. Please remember to inform our orthopaedic surgeons about any medications or supplements that you are taking as you may have to stop taking some of them before surgery.

We ensure someone from our surgery center contacts you well ahead of time to provide specific details on your procedure, tell you how many days you need to be off medication, and other details. Make sure you follow the instructions on when to get to the hospital and make sure to stop eating or drinking before your procedure as advised.

Most knee arthroscopy procedures will last less than an hour and will be painless. The duration of the surgery depends on the arthroscopic findings and the treatment needed.

The surgeons will close the incision with a stitch or small bandaids as it is very small, and then cover your knee with a soft bandage.

After surgery, you should be able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. After surgery, there is some pain: a natural part of healing. Our doctors and nurses will work to manage and reduce your pain, which will help recover from surgery faster. Medications can be prescribed for short-term pain relief and there are opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain.

Also Read: When Should You See an Orthopedician for Knee Pain