Lodaer Img

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy Surgery - Treatment Procedure & Benefits at Curific Health Care

Get In Touch

Make an Appointment

    What is Knee Arthroscopy?

    Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat issues within the knee joint. Performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, this advanced technique requires only small incisions, reducing trauma to the surrounding tissues. It is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day.

    During the procedure, a thin, pen-sized instrument called an arthroscope is inserted through a tiny incision in the knee. Equipped with a camera, the arthroscope projects detailed images of the joint onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to diagnose the issue accurately. If necessary, additional small incisions are made to insert instruments for treating conditions like torn cartilage, ligament injuries, or inflamed tissues.

    Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy:

    • Minimal pain compared to traditional open surgery
    • Reduced risk of complications
    • Faster recovery time
    • Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of knee issues

    What Are The Types of Knee Arthroscopy?

    Knee arthroscopy is a versatile procedure that addresses a range of knee issues. Below are the common types:

    1. Diagnostic Arthroscopy:

      • Used to investigate and diagnose the cause of knee pain or dysfunction when imaging tests are inconclusive.

    2. Meniscal Repair or Partial Meniscectomy:

      • Repairs or removes damaged sections of the meniscus, a cartilage cushion between the shinbone and thighbone.

    3. Ligament Reconstruction:

      • Commonly performed for injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears.

    4. Removal of Loose Bodies:

      • Removes bone or cartilage fragments that may cause pain or restrict knee movement.

    5. Synovectomy:

      • Removes inflamed synovial tissue (joint lining) in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

    6. Treatment of Patella (Kneecap) Issues:

      • Corrects problems like patellar dislocation or maltracking.

    7. Knee Sepsis Treatment:

      • Drains infection from the knee joint and cleans the affected area.

    Diagnosis Before Knee Arthroscopy

    Accurate diagnosis is essential before proceeding with knee arthroscopy. The steps include:

    1. Physical Examination:

      • Your doctor will check for swelling, tenderness, and visible abnormalities. Range of motion and knee stability will also be assessed.

    2. Imaging Tests:

      • X-rays: Identify bone fractures or arthritis.
      • MRI: Provides detailed images of ligaments, meniscus tears, and soft tissue injuries.

    3. Blood Tests:

      • Used to identify infections if knee sepsis is suspected.

    This thorough diagnostic process ensures that knee arthroscopy is appropriately tailored to address your specific condition.

    Get In Touch

    Make an Appointment

      Knee Arthroscopy at Curific Health Care

      What Is the Procedure for Knee Arthroscopy?

      Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to diagnose and treat knee joint issues. The procedure involves the following steps:

      1. Anaesthesia:

        • The surgery begins with administering local, regional, or general anaesthesia to numb the knee area or put you to sleep, ensuring comfort during the procedure.

      2. Incision:

        • The surgeon makes small incisions (about 1 cm) around the knee to access the joint.

      3. Insertion of Arthroscope:

        • A thin instrument with a camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted through one incision. The arthroscope provides live images of the knee joint on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess the condition.

      4. Surgical Repairs:

        • If necessary, the surgeon inserts specialised instruments through additional incisions to perform repairs, such as removing damaged cartilage, repairing a torn meniscus, or reconstructing ligaments.

      5. Closure:

        • After completing the procedure, the surgeon removes the instruments, stitches the small incisions, and applies a bandage or dressing to protect the surgical site.

      Knee arthroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day.

      Who Is the Right Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy?

      The decision to undergo knee arthroscopy is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms and the nature of the condition. Ideal candidates for this procedure include:

      1. Persistent Knee Pain or Instability:

        • Individuals with ongoing knee pain, swelling, or instability that does not improve with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or rest.

      2. Diagnosed Knee Conditions:

        • Patients with specific conditions such as:
          • Torn meniscus
          • Damaged ligaments (e.g., ACL or PCL tear)
          • Loose bone or cartilage fragments in the joint
          • Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)
          • Certain kneecap (patella) issues, such as dislocations or cartilage damage

      3. Early Stages of Arthritis:

        • Patients with mild arthritis may benefit from arthroscopy to remove inflamed tissue, repair damaged cartilage, or address loose bodies, though it is not a cure for arthritis.

      Things to Consider:

      • Your doctor will evaluate your overall health, the severity of your knee condition, and your expectations from the surgery.
      • Discuss all risks, benefits, and alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

      Recovery Tips and Precautions After Knee Arthroscopy

      To ensure a smooth recovery following knee arthroscopy, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

      1. Ice Therapy:

        • Apply ice packs to the operated knee regularly during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.

      2. Elevation:

        • Keep your leg elevated, preferably above heart level, to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

      3. Dressing Care:

        • Change the dressings as per your doctor’s instructions and keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.

      4. Physical Therapy:

        • Start physiotherapy and perform doctor-recommended exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee.

      5. Weight-Bearing Restrictions:

        • Follow your doctor’s advice on weight-bearing. Avoid putting pressure on the operated leg until permitted.

      6. Medication Compliance:

        • Take prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications as directed to manage post-operative discomfort.

      Potential Risks or Complications Associated With Knee Arthroscopy

      Although knee arthroscopy is considered safe, there are some potential risks:

      1. Excessive Bleeding:

        • Minimal bleeding is common, but excessive bleeding is rare. Avoid activities that strain the knee during the early recovery period.

      2. Infection:

        • Proper wound care is critical. If you notice redness, warmth, or discharge at the surgical site, contact your doctor immediately.

      3. Blood Clots:

        • There is a small risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis). Report any unusual swelling, pain, or redness in the leg promptly.

      4. Stiffness or Limited Mobility:

        • Regular physiotherapy can help reduce stiffness and restore motion. Persistent stiffness should be addressed with your doctor.

      5. Damage to Surrounding Structures:

        • Rarely, nearby ligaments, blood vessels, or nerves may be injured during surgery. Severe pain or unusual symptoms post-surgery should be reported immediately.

      By adhering to your doctor’s recommendations and maintaining proper post-operative care, you can minimize these risks and ensure a faster recovery.

      Get In Touch

      Make an Appointment