Overview

Knee Arthroscopy is a surgery performed to find out different types of knee injuries causing pain and discomfort. The surgery is a minimally invasive one, unlike a traditional open surgery. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the knee joint through small incisions. The arthroscope transmits images of the inside of the knee to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to visualize and assess the joint structures. Surgical instruments can be inserted through additional small incisions to perform procedures like repairing damaged cartilage, removing loose fragments, trimming torn meniscus, or reconstructing ligaments.

Hence, knee surgery is helpful for people with extreme pain in the knee due to arthritis, underlying medical conditions, or an injury. Furthermore, the arthroscopy helps locate the exact problematic area and allows the surgeon to choose the right treatment option for speedy healing and recovery. Hence, this procedure is a safe option for people of all ages. May it be a child, a middle-aged individual, or an aged person, knee arthroscopy is helpful and the perfect solution when invasive treatments are not the answer to knee pain.

When to Go For a Knee Arthroscopy

Mentioned below are the points that specify the need for a knee arthroscopy surgery:

- Arthritis- Arthritis is one of the major reasons for knee arthroscopy surgery. Different forms of arthritis caused due to different medical situations or scenarios can also be resolved with the help of knee surgery. The pain caused due to arthritis or inflammation of the joints can be healed with the help of this surgery. The surgeons can find the problematic joint with the help of the camera inserted and replace it with a metallic or ceramic prosthesis.
- Knee Pain- Knee surgery is helpful for people who can’t get relief from their knee pain through different types of non-surgical methods, such as using different types of drugs, therapies, or knee exercises. Hence, surgery is the last resort in such types of situations. The surgery helps fix the painful joint and allows the individual to perform different activities without discomfort.
- Therapeutic intervention- In some cases, arthroscopy is used for therapeutic purposes, such as repairing or removing damaged tissue, smoothing out rough surfaces, or removing loose fragments that may be causing problems.
- Failed non-surgical treatments- If conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medication, or injections have not provided sufficient relief, arthroscopy may be considered as a next step.
- Sports Injuries- Knee arthroscopy surgery has gained popularity among athletes who have suffered ligament or meniscus injuries. This surgery has been significant in saving the careers of many athletes as the procedure is painless and athletes can start getting back to high intensity activities within 3 months of the surgery.

Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

Mentioned below are the steps followed during a knee arthroscopy surgery to allow the patient to understand the whole procedure in depth:

- First, the surgeon cleans the knee exteriorly before performing the procedure.
- Next, the surgeon makes an incision to insert a long tube with a camera attached.
- This tube is inserted inside the knee through the incision to identify the spots to be operated on.
- The camera helps to take pictures of all the tissues and ligaments and display them on the screen in the operating room.
- The injured tissues or ligaments are visible on the screen, making it easier for the surgeons to identify the spot to be operated on.
- Necessary surgeries are performed, and injured ligaments or joints are replaced with metallic or ceramic prostheses if required.
- After the surgery, the long tube with the camera is removed, and the incisions are sealed with stitches or a huge bandage to avoid infection.

Risk of a Knee Arthroscopy

Risks after knee surgery are rare but can be damaging if not treated on time. Mentioned below are some of the possible complications that a patient can face:

- Blood Clots- Blood clot is one of the most common forms of complication observed post-surgery. It can happen due to the flow of tissues and similar materials into the blood. The situation can also be worsened due to blood thickening.
- Swelling- Swelling, too, is also one of the complications after knee surgery. Again, the situation can be observed due to a blood clot in the knee or other similar complications. Again, simple icing at home can help to lower the swelling.
- Infection- Just like any other surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection post this surgery. Although the risk is relatively low, it is better to take precautions like use of sterile techniques and procedures. It helps to minimise risks.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage- There is a small risk of injury to blood vessels or nerves during the procedure, leading to numbness, loss of sensation, or tingling.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

Mentioned below are the care guidelines that help in speedy knee arthroscopy recovery:

- Avoid Excessive Leg Movement- Doctors suggest avoiding putting excessive weight on the knee immediately after the surgery. Instead, the patient should take the support of crutches or a walker to move around if required.
- Elevated Leg Level- Doctors also recommend placing the patient’s operated leg at an elevated level to avoid swelling and ensure proper blood flow. The practice can be advised to perform for a few days after the surgery.
- Medications- Pain in the knee after the surgery is a common aspect. To avoid the excessive pain experienced by the patient at times, doctors may suggest certain painkillers along with other required medications. These medicines help to lower the pain and allow the patient to stay calm and relaxed.

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-replacement-in-young-patients/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17153-knee-arthroscopy