Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is the use of a camera and specialized equipment through small incisions to evaluate, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.
What to Expect
Arthroscopy can be used for many conditions including removal or repair of torn meniscal cartilage,
reconstruction of torn ligaments including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), removal of loose fragments
of bone or cartilage, and removal of inflamed synovial tissue. Through the use of smaller incision,
a faster and less painful recovery can be expected.
Arthroscopic surgery is done as an outpatient. Prior to surgery you will be
asked to see your primary care doctor for “medical clearance”. They may check
blood tests, EKG, and a chest x-ray in addition to other tests they find indicated.
Once surgery is scheduled, the hospital or surgery center will contact
you ahead of time to provide specific details about your procedure. Please
make sure to ask any questions you have and follow the instructions on when
to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to surgery.
On the day of surgery, the anesthesia staff will talk with you about
anesthesia options. You will be asleep for the procedure and often a regional
nerve block is recommended to numb the knee and leg for pain relief.
Once in the operating room, you will be positioned so that a clear view
of the inside of your knee can be obtained. A member of the surgical team will
clean the skin over the knee with an antiseptic solution and a sterile drape will cover your knee and leg.
Through small incisions about the knee fluid flows through
the arthroscope to keep the view clear and control any bleeding.
Images from the arthroscope are projected on the video screen showing the inside of your knee and any damage.
Small instruments are placed through 1-3 separate
incisions and can be used to shave, cut, grasp, pass suture, and tie knots. Anchor are often used to hold stitches into bone.
At the completion of surgery the incisions are closed with stitches and covered them with a large, soft bandage.
Postoperatively you will stay in the recovery room
for 1 to 2 hours before being discharged home. Nurses
will monitor your responsiveness and provide pain medication,
if needed. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
Recovery from knee arthroscopy depends on the procedure performed but takes several weeks and a few months before full recovery.
Physical therapy will play a vital role after surgery in regaining strength and motion.