Overview

Arthroscopic knee surgery, or knee arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions. It involves using a small camera called an arthroscope, inserted through small incisions in the knee joint. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to visualise the inside of the knee and perform necessary repairs or treatments.

The arthroscope can also carry small instruments to heal the knee injury. The camera attached to the fibre tube is connected to a display monitor. The monitor helps display the knee's inner side and identifies the problem. ‘ Minimally invasive surgery helps to allow quicker healing of the wounds and the surgical site compared to open surgery. The surgery doesn't involve any complicated procedures, resulting in quicker healing. The patient can be discharged from the hospital the same day after the procedure. It helps heal knee pain and immobility and repair or change damaged tissues or cartilage. The affected individual can walk, climb stairs, or stand for long hours after knee surgery. Recovery after the surgery depends upon the current situation of the patient.

Who is an ideal candidate for arthroscopic knee surgery?

- Torn Ligament- Knee surgery is an ideal choice for a torn ligament. The surgery helps to lower the pain and allow smooth knee mobility. Arthroscopy also helps to identify the ligament to be operated on.
- Torn Meniscus- A meniscus is the cartilage between the bones that helps to absorb shock and distribute equal weight among the bones to maintain balance. If this rubbery cushion is torn, it might lead to friction between bones. The condition can be identified by symptoms such as extreme pain in the knee, inability to walk or climb stairs, and other similar issues. The minimally invasive knee surgery helps to heal the damaged cushiony support without any complicated procedure.
- Dislocated Patella- Also known as dislocated kneecap in layman's language, dislocated patella can occur due to an external injury. It can lead to extreme pain and cessation of physical activities. Surgery helps to position the patella with minimal incisions and instruments.
- Baker's Cyst is a medical condition where fluid growth is observed behind the knee. It can cause pain and irritation while walking, jogging, or standing longer. It can happen due to inflammation in the joints or due to an external injury. The cyst can be removed with the help of the surgery. It helps to lower the pain immediately and allows the patient to enjoy a normal routine life.
- Knee Fracture- A knee fracture can also be fixed with the help of arthroscopic knee surgery. The procedure involves the insertion of instruments to perform the surgery through the incision. The fracture is fixed by keeping the broken bone fragments and pieces in place.

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Procedure

Mentioned below are the explanatory steps of knee arthroscopy:

- The surgeon gives anaesthesia to the patient to numb the surgical area.
- Small incisions or cuts are made near the knee.
- A small camera is inserted through the incision to examine the knee's soft tissues.
- The surgeon may insert saline water to expand the knee area. It helps to have a clear look at the problematic area.
- The images of the internal area of the knee are displayed on the monitor connected to the camera.
- After diagnosing the surgical area, instruments are inserted through the incision. It helps to operate the area easily.
- After the surgery, the water from the knee, instruments, and the camera are removed.
- The incisions are closed with the help of stitches to wrap up the surgery.

Risks of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Mentioned below are the possible issues that can occur after knee surgery:

- Blood Clots- After knee surgery, one of the highest possible issues that can occur is blood clots. It can happen due to the self-healing mechanism of the body. The body treats the surgical process as an injury; hence, the veins are narrowed to block blood flow. It can lead to multiple other health issues. To lower the damages caused, a doctor may recommend blood thinning medications.
- Infection- Infection is another highly-observed possible risk factor of minimally invasive knee surgery. Bacteria can hamper the prosthesis planted internally through the surgery or the incision area. It can cause extreme pain after the surgery , lasting for many days. In case of such symptoms, doctors may recommend antibiotics or suggest surgery in a deteriorating situation.
- Swelling- Swelling is a normal phenomenon post surgery. If the swelling is a debilitating one leading to redness and irritation of the surgical area, the patient should get professional medical help to address the root cause.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

Mentioned below are the guidelines to be followed for a speedy arthroscopic knee surgery recovery:

- Consume the medications the doctor prescribes to lower pain and swelling after surgery.
- Keep icing the surgical area to lower the swelling.
- Keep the leg at an elevated level most of the time.
- Avoid pressuring the knee after the surgery.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimal invasive procedure helpful in fixing different knee issues. The surgery involves minimal incisions to operate the problematic area of the knee, and is a safe option for people of all ages with knee issues.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/knee-pain-symptoms-and-causes/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/knee-arthroscopy