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Knee Arthroscopy: Minimally Solution for Knee Pain

19 April 2023

Knee Replacement | Dr. Pankaj Bajaj
Knee Arthroscopy: Minimally Solution for Knee Pain

Knee Arthroscopy

During knee arthroscopy, doctors view the knee joint without cutting through the skin or other soft tissues. Knee arthroscopy can diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.

Arthroscopic knee surgery involves your surgeon inserting into your knee joint a small camera called an arthroscope. Your surgeon uses the images from the camera to direct the tiny surgical instruments on a video monitor.

Since the arthroscope and surgical tools are thin, your surgeon can do the surgery through tiny incisions rather than the larger ones required for open and reconstruction surgery. Patients experience reduced pain and joint stiffness, and the recovery period and time to resume favorite activities are frequently shortened.

A standard minimally invasive surgical procedure is knee arthroscopy. Smaller incisions (cuts) are needed for minimally invasive procedures than for standard surgery. The incisions are roughly the size of keyholes.

They use tools to repair or remove damaged tissue. Arthroscopic ACL surgery can also be treated by employing a small camera, called an arthroscope, to view and repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee joint.

Need For Knee Arthroscopy

If you suffer from a painful condition that does not improve with nonsurgical treatment, your doctor might advise knee arthroscopy. Rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs or injections are examples of nonsurgical treatments.

The painful symptoms of numerous conditions that harm the cartilage surface & other soft tissues surrounding the joint may be alleviated through knee arthroscopy.

Knee arthroscopy, in comparison to open forms of surgery, is less invasive. A surgeon diagnoses issues and operates using an arthroscope, which they pass through an incision in the skin.

Knee arthroscopy surgery may help diagnose a range of problems, including stiffness and persistent joint pain, floating fragments of bone or cartilage, damaged cartilage, and a buildup of fluid that must be drained.

People go through arthroscopy and choose it instead of other surgical procedures as it involves less tissue damage, fewer stitches, less pain after the procedure, a faster healing time, lower risk of infection because smaller incisions are made.

The procedure of Knee Arthroscopy

The surgeon will create a few small incisions in your knee, referred to as portals, to start the operation. The knee joint will be filled with a sterile solution, removing cloudy fluid. This makes it easier for your orthopedic surgeon to see and understand the complex parts inside your knee.

Your surgeon's first job is to diagnose your condition accurately. The image on the screen will be used to guide the arthroscope as it is inserted. If surgical therapy is required, your surgeon will implant tiny instruments through further tiny incisions.

The degree of the arthroscopy will determine the type of anesthesia used to relieve discomfort.

The doctor may use a regional anesthetic to numb the patient from the waist down if both knees are affected.

Doctors occasionally employ a general anesthetic. In this scenario, the patient will be sound asleep throughout the surgery.

The patient might be permitted to view the surgery on a monitor if awake. Although watching this is entirely voluntary, some people might find it uncomfortable.

A few little cuts are made in the knee to begin the process. Saline solution is pumped into the area by a surgeon. The knee will enlarge; as a result, making it simpler for the doctors to see what they are doing.

The surgeons implant the arthroscope after widening the knee. Thanks to the linked camera, surgeons can inspect the area and spot any issues. They might take photographs and confirm earlier diagnoses.

The surgeons will put small tools through the portals  and utilize them to address the condition if Arthroscopy can be used to do so.

Once the issue has been resolved, the surgeons remove the instruments, use the pump to drain the knee's saline solution, and close the incisions.

Risks

Like any other surgery, knee arthroscopy carries some risks, but significant side effects are uncommon. The patient has a higher risk of infection and excessive bleeding during and after surgery. There are dangers associated with anesthetic use. It could result in allergic responses or respiratory issues in certain persons.

 

Some risks specific to knee arthroscopy include accidental damage to tissues and nerves, chronic stiffness in the knee, bleeding in the joints, infection inside the knee, and blood clots. These risks are uncommon; most people recover without incident.

Recovery

Specialized tools are used for shaving, cutting, gripping, and meniscal healing. Special tools are frequently used to anchor stitches in bone. Arthroscopy recovery is quicker than open surgical recovery. Most patients receive specific guidance on handling recovery before leaving the hospital on the day of the procedure.

General recovery tips include:

  •      keeping the leg elevated after surgery for several days
  •      applying ice packs to the dressing & surrounding area to reduce swelling and pain
  •      changing the dressing regularly
  •      resting well and often
  •      using crutches & following the doctor's guidance about applying weight to the treated knee

Exercises

Exercise might be beneficial both before and after arthroscopic knee surgery. Strengthening the muscles around the knee with a physical therapist may aid in the knee's complete recovery.

A person may also be taught some basic stretches and exercises at home by a doctor. Exercises are an essential component of therapy. They are required to regain their full strength and knee range of motion.

The type of workouts chosen will depend on the severity of the issue and the individual's general health. Seeing a doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercises at home is crucial.

To know moreAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery Recovery Time 

Final Thoughts

The outlook following knee arthroscopy differs from person to person. The severity and knee problem type influences the surgery outcome. A person's ability and commitment to supporting their recovery can also affect the outcome. Most regain full knee recovery after Arthroscopy if they follow their doctors' recovery plans, including exercising and practicing self-care.

A one-stop solution to all your orthopedic problems, including knee arthroscopy, NeemTree brings together expert orthopedic Doctors and Surgeons from different parts of India to analyze and share their views and opinions for devising the best procedures and modalities for addressing the most complex cases. Our credibility stands immensely validated with a cumulative experience of 40 years, more than 35 centers in 13 cities, and a rich panel of more than 50 doctors.

 

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Dr. Pankaj Bajaj

Orthopedics
MBBS, MCh orthopedics , DNB orthopedics , MS orthopedics

Know Your Doctor Extensive experience of more than 25 years in......read more