Arthroscopy: The Best Way To Rescue Your Knees

Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure in which a joint is viewed by means of a small camera. The camera is inserted after the surgeon makes a small incision. The arthroscope used by the orthopedic surgeon allows a clear view inside the knee to help diagnose and treat knee conditions. Technological medical advances have afforded our surgeons high resolution cameras and high definition monitors. These and other advancements have made arthroscopic knee surgery an effective means for repairing damage to the knee and treating common knee problems.

What Is Involved With Knee Arthroscopy?

During an arthroscopic knee procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will insert a small camera instrument the size of a pencil into your knee joint. This device is called an arthroscope and it sends the image of the inside of your knee to the TV monitor the doctor watches. On this monitor, he can see the knee structures in great detail. This allows him to feel, remove, and repair damaged tissues and structures.

How Do I Prepare For This Surgery?

Be assured, almost all knee arthroscopies are done on an outpatient basis. If your doctor recommends a knee arthroscopy, you may need to undergo a complete physical examination with your family doctor prior to the surgery. He will check your health status and identify any problems that would interfere with the procedure. Before surgery, you should tell the orthopedic specialist about any medications or supplements you are taking. He may tell you to stop taking these a few days before the procedure. You can expect that your surgeon will order some pre-operative tests before the surgery, too. These may include blood counts, X-Rays, and electrocardiogram (EKG).

What Can I Expect During The Procedure?

After you receive your anesthesia, the orthopedic specialist will make a few small incisions in your knee. Then, he will inject a sterile solution into the knee joint to rinse away any cloudy fluid that will obscure his view. First, the surgeon will introduce the arthroscope into the knee and use the TV monitor to guide him. If your doctor sees that surgical repair is necessary, he will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions to do this. These could include scissors, graspers, and motorized shavers. Overall, the procedure generally lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. How long it takes really depends on what the surgeon finds and the treatment that is necessary.

What Can I Expect During The Recovery Period?

You will recover from arthroscopic knee surgery quicker than from traditional open knee surgery. It is very important for you to follow your orthopedic surgeon's instructions carefully after you go home.
•    Dressing Care - When you leave the hospital, you will have a dressing covering your knee. Be sure to keep this clean and dry. Your surgeon will tell you when it is alright to bathe or shower and when and how to change the dressing.
•    Swelling - Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first couple of days after your arthroscopic knee procedure. You can apply ice as recommended by your doctor to relieve pain and swelling.
•    Bearing Weight - Most patients will not need crutches or a cane after knee arthroscopy. Your orthopedic specialist will tell you when you are to put weight onto the leg and foot.
•    Driving - Your doctor will tell you when you may drive. This decision will be based on several things, including your level of pain, the nature of your procedure, the knee that is involved, whether you have a stick shift or automatic car, and how well you can control your knee. Generally, patients can drive within a few days after this procedure.
•    Medications - Your doctor will give you medications to help relieve discomfort following your knee arthroscopic procedure. Sometimes, a medication like aspirin is recommended to lessen your risk of blood clots.

Reference

Meet Dr. Mandeep Singh, one of the best-known orthopedists in the Delhi-NCR. He has been into practice for more than 19 years, and so the patient can easily relay on him for any treatment of bone or muscles.


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