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.
Knee arthroscopy can diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. These include:
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.
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to view the knee joint without making a large incision. The steps include:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patients must engage in rehabilitation exercises after knee arthroscopy to restore optimal strength and mobility to the knee.
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.
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.
#05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563
Tel | : | 6253 7111 |
Fax | : | 6253 2773 |
: | (65) 8838 7111 |
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