Knee Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat or diagnose issues with the knee joint. It is performed using an arthroscope, a small, flexible tube with a light and a video camera. The arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, providing the orthopaedic surgeon with a clear view of the inside of the knee.

What Can Knee Arthroscopy Treat?

Knee arthroscopy can diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. These include:

• Torn meniscus
• Bursitis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear
• Knee fractures
• Misaligned patella (kneecap)
• Inflamed synovium (soft tissue lining the synovial joint)
• Knee sepsis (infection)

How to Prepare for a Knee Arthroscopy

Preparation for a knee arthroscopy involves several steps:

Before the knee arthroscopy procedure, your doctor will perform a physical examination, a medical history review, and other diagnostic tests. These tests may include X-rays or MRIs to provide detailed images of the knee joint.

General preoperative instructions often involve fasting (not eating or drinking) prior to the knee arthroscopy surgery. You should also inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking, as you may need to stop taking certain medications, like aspirin or other blood thinners, a few days before surgery. Smoking cessation is also advisable as smoking can interfere with recovery.

The Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to view the knee joint without making a large incision. The steps include:

• Anaesthesia – The patient is given either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia, to ensure a pain-free experience.
• Incisions – The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the knee area.
• Insertion of Arthroscope – A tiny camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted through one of the incisions to provide a clear view of the inside of the knee.
• Diagnosis and Treatment – The surgeon assesses the images transmitted by the arthroscope to guide him or her in diagnosing the problem. Small surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions to repair or remove damaged tissue as needed.
• Closure – Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon removes the arthroscope and other instruments, and closes the incisions.
• Post-Procedure Care – The knee is wrapped in a bandage and the patient is taken to a recovery room to be monitored as the anaesthesia wears off.

What to Expect After Knee Arthroscopy

Rehabilitation exercises are a vital part of recovery after knee arthroscopy. These exercises are designed to restore muscle strength and mobility to your knee following surgery. They usually start with gentle range-of-motion exercises and gradually progress to more strenuous strengthening exercises. Adherence to a structured rehabilitation program can significantly improve the outcomes of knee arthroscopy.

Here are some tips to minimise discomfort during recovery:

• Rest and Elevate the Knee – Keeping the knee elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Use Ice Packs – Applying ice to the knee can help numb the area and reduce inflammation.
• Follow Your Exercise Programme – Regularly performing your prescribed exercises can help speed up recovery and reduce discomfort.
• Avoid Strenuous Activities – Overexertion can delay healing and increase pain. Follow your doctor's advice regarding activity levels.

FAQs on Knee Arthroscopy

• What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy over open surgery?

  Knee arthroscopy requires smaller incisions, hence resulting in reduced post-operative pain, scarring and faster recovery time. It also has a lower risk of complications.

• How long does the procedure take?

  The length of the procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the actual treatment, but most knee arthroscopies take between 30 minutes to over an hour.

• Will I have scars after knee arthroscopy?

  Knee arthroscopy results in small scars, usually not more than a centimetre long, due to the small size of the incisions. Over time, these scars will become even less noticeable.

• When can I return to normal activities after knee arthroscopy?

  Many can return to their usual activities within 3 to 6 weeks following knee arthroscopy. However, this can vary based on the severity of the condition treated and the individual's rate of recovery.

• Will I need physiotherapy after knee arthroscopy?

  Patients must engage in rehabilitation exercises after knee arthroscopy to restore optimal strength and mobility to the knee.

• Can all knee conditions be treated with arthroscopy?

  While arthroscopy can treat many knee conditions, it may not be suitable for all. More severe conditions that require greater access may still require open surgery.

• How long does the pain last after knee arthroscopy?

  Post-operative pain typically subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks. Pain relievers are available to help you manage the pain better during the initial recovery.