Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that allows doctors to diagnose and treat various knee joint problems using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions.

Many knee disorders, such as a damaged meniscus or an out-of-position patella, are diagnosed during arthroscopy. It can also treat the ligaments of the joint. Your recovery period and prognosis will depend on the severity of your knee condition and the complexity of the treatment needed.

If you have knee pain, your doctor may suggest that you have a knee arthroscopy. Usually an experienced surgeon with appropriate imaging tests will be able to confirm the condition, arthroscopy remains a useful diagnostic and treatment tool for diagnosing and treating knee pain.

Knee arthroscopy is usually indicated for:

- Meniscus tears or injuries

- Ligament injuries (e.g. ruptured cruciate ligament)

- Chondral injuries of the knee

- Loose bodies (bone or cartilage fragments)

- Inflammation of the synovial membrane

- Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

- Dislocation of the patella

- Dislocation of the patella

- Damaged meniscus

- Unstable patella

The patient undergoes a routine preoperative check-up. These can be done on admission to the hospital, or earlier as an outpatient. Diabetes and hypertension are given special consideration. Any clinical signs of inflammation of the joint locally may postpone arthroscopy until later, unless it is done for the specific purpose (e.g. biopsy).

Prior to surgery, patients may need:

- Have imaging tests (e.g., MRI or X-rays) to evaluate the condition of the knee.

- Discuss medications, including anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, with their doctor.

- Arrange for transportation and care after surgery, as anesthesia can reduce mobility.

The knee arthroscopy is performed as in all cases of arthroscopy in the hospital, and the patient can be discharged and return home the same day. Knee arthroscopy is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation, with 2 or 3 small incisions of a few millimetres, and the total time of the operation lasts on average between 30 and 90 minutes.

During the knee arthroscopy surgery:

1. The patient undergoes general or local anaesthesia.

2. General general or local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia is performed.

3. A specialized camera called an arthroscope is inserted through an incision to visualize the inside of the joint.

4. Surgical instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue, such as meniscus or cartilage.

5. Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed and bandaged.

Only the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedure requires an additional small 4 cm incision to take the graft from the popliteal tendons, which are located in the medial part of the knee. The procedure involves the use of a camera, which magnifies any damage to the joint so that it can be studied and treated even better. As with any minimally invasive method, arthroscopy requires significantly less recovery and recuperation time.

Knee arthroscopy is a procedure after which the patient does not need hospitalization and returns home the same day. In more complex procedures that require larger incisions, such as after a torn ligament or procedures that modify the bone, hospitalization may be required to manage the pain more directly and effectively so that the patient can have proper follow-up. In this case, the patient can begin the rehabilitation program in the hospital.

The patient will need to follow the instructions given by the surgeon on how much weight to put on the leg when standing or walking. He or she may also need to apply ice to the knee and place the leg elevated on a brace when lying or sitting.

Recovery after surgery usually involves:

- Rest and use of an ice pack on the knee to reduce swelling.

- Gradual resumption of activities according to the doctor's instructions.

- Participation in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

- Monitoring for any unusual symptoms, such as excessive pain or swelling.