Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat various knee conditions. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a camera inside the knee and inspects its inside.
Why is Knee Arthroscopy done?
This procedure is done to treat a variety of conditions:
· Torn ligaments such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL).
· Torn medial or lateral meniscus.
· Assess and repair cartilage damage.
· To correct the alignment of the patella.
· To remove loose bodies inside the knee, such as bone or cartilage.
· To take a biopsy in inflammatory arthritis
· Removal of ganglion cyst in the knee ligaments
· Removal of synovium in some synovial diseases.
Anesthesia
Different types of anesthesia can be given depending on the fitness and comfort of the patient.
· Spinal Anesthesia: The medicine is injected directly into your lower spine. You will become numb below your waist, but you will be awake. This is also called regional anesthesia.
· General Anesthesia: You are given some medicines through injections and are made to inhale some gases. In this anesthesia, you will be asleep and pain-free.
· Regional Nerve Block: Pain medicine is injected around your groin and thigh nerves. This blocks out pain and reduces the need for general anesthesia.
Surgical procedure
· A tourniquet (cuff life device) is put around your thigh to control bleeding during the procedure.
· The surgeon makes 2-3 minor cuts (depending on what is to be done) around your knee joint to insert the camera and the instruments. Fluid is also pumped inside the knee to inflate the joint.
· A tiny camera is inserted inside the knee and connected to a monitor, from which the surgeon can see the inside of the knee.
· The surgeon puts other instruments through the different cuts to fix or remove the problem inside your knee.
· After the procedure, the saline is drained from your knee, and the cuts are closed with staples or sutures.
Recovery After Surgery
The recovery after knee arthroscopy depends on the problem for which surgery is done.
The recovery after the procedure is speedy compared to open surgeries. Also, the patients can resume their daily activities faster.
If some structures of the knee are repaired or reconstructed, the patient may need a brace for a few days after surgery.
Your doctor will also prescribe you pain medications and medications for early healing after the surgery.
Knee arthroscopy is a very advanced surgery used to treat various knee conditions. Compared to open surgery, it causes less pain, reducing the need for medicines.