Knee Arthroscopy: Know all about it with the experts

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that helps identify and address knee joint issues. A professional surgeon operates by cutting a very small incision and inserting an arthroscope, a small camera, into your knee. This enables them to see a screen image of the joints inside. The surgeon can then examine a knee issue and, if necessary, resolve it using small devices inside the arthroscope.

Several knee conditions, such as torn meniscus or cruciate ligament injury are diagnosed through arthroscopy. The ligaments of the joint can also be repaired by it. The surgery carries minimal risks, and most patients have a positive prognosis. However, the prognosis and recovery period majorly depends on the severity of the knee condition.

Do you need a Knee Arthroscopy?

If nonsurgical therapy for your knee problems has gone ineffective, your doctor may advise knee arthroscopy. Adequate rest, ice compress, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are nonsurgical therapies. With the help of arthroscopy, medical professionals can see your knee’s soft tissues, bones, and cartilage more clearly. The process is used to identify various kinds of knee injuries. The ligaments and cartilage in your knee joint are most commonly injured. 

Your doctor may have previously diagnosed the condition with the aid of X-rays and MRIs, but an arthroscopy would still be helpful to identify the cause of knee discomfort and offer a remedy.

The following knee injuries can be identified and treated using arthroscopic surgery:

• • Anterior or Posterior cruciate ligament tears

• • Damaged meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)

• • Out-of-place patella, loose fragments of shredded cartilage in the joint, and knee bone fractures

• • Enlarged Synovium(the lining in the joint)

Knee Arthroscopy: what to expect before and after 

Before

Inform your doctor about your medications before having a knee arthroscopy. Before surgery, you might need to stop taking some drugs (such as blood thinners). The time you should cease eating and drinking the night before your healthcare practitioner will also specify your treatment.

Knee arthroscopy can be performed at a hospital or a surgery clinic. Most knee othoscopies are perfromed as day case procedures where the patient is admitted and dischared in less than 24 hrs. Your doctor will administer an anaesthetic just before the surgery. When having knee surgery, you won’t experience any discomfort, whether awake or not. Your doctor might advise you to:

After

Most knee arthroscopies are day surgery procedures that let you return home the same day. You are not advised to drive as you’ll have some pain following surgery. Genral advise after orthoscopy is:

• To move around, you might require crutches or a walker in some cases.
• Elevate your knee while you rest to minimise swelling and relieve pain. 
• Make sure the knee is covered with a clean bandage.
• Take your pain medication regularly.

Consult an expert for arthroscopic knee surgery

Dr Sabri is a renowned and trusted surgeon specialising in the pelvis and hip reconstruction procedures, including Fragility Fractures, Arthroplasty, and Major Trauma Surgeries. In addition, he is known to be the modern-day, tech-savvy surgeon interested in Robot-Assisted Surgeries, VR Training, and Healthcare Innovation. Consult with Dr Sabri today to understand your options for knee arthroscopy.