Why would someone need to have a knee arthroscopy?
Common indications of knee arthroscopy include:
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Meniscal tears
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Ligament injuries (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears)
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Inflamed synovial tissue
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Damaged articular cartilage or osteochondral defects
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Loose bodies in the joint
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Pain or swelling in the knee of unclear origin
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Patella (kneecap) problems
What conditions can a knee arthroscopy treat?
Some common conditions that can be treated with knee arthroscopy include Meniscal tears, Ligament injuries, Inflammation, Damaged or torn cartilage, and Loose bodies.
Different Types of Knee Arthroscopy Surgeries
Some of the Knee Arthroscopy Surgeries include:
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Meniscectomy: a procedure in which the damaged portion of the meniscus is removed.
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Meniscus repair: a procedure in which the torn or damaged meniscus tissue is sutured together to allow it to heal on its own.
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Chondroplasty: a procedure in which damaged cartilage is smoothed out or trimmed away.
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Microfracture surgery: a procedure used to stimulate the growth of new cartilage after damage to the knee joint.
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a procedure that involves removing the torn ACL and replacing it with a graft.
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Removal of loose bodies: a procedure in which loose bits of bone or cartilage are removed from the knee joint.
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Synovectomy: a procedure in which inflamed or diseased synovial tissue is removed from the joint.
Requirements & Evaluation: Knee arthroscopy surgery
Here are some of the requirements and evaluation process for knee arthroscopy surgery:
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Clinical Evaluation: A thorough evaluation of your knee condition will be conducted by a healthcare professional. This may include physical examination, medical history review, and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
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Non-Surgical Treatment Attempts: In many cases, conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, pain management, and activity modification are tried before considering surgery.
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Informed Consent: Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it is important to fully understand the risks, benefits, and potential complications associated with knee arthroscopy.
Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before knee arthroscopy surgery, patients typically undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the necessity of the procedure and discuss the potential risks and benefits. Depending on the patient's condition, they may require pre-operative tests or exams, such as blood work or imaging studies. The surgeon may also recommend that patients stop taking certain medications or supplements that can interfere with the surgery or recovery process.
After the Procedure
After knee arthroscopy surgery, patients usually spend several hours in a recovery room while being closely monitored by medical staff. Depending on the specific procedure performed, patients may require crutches to help them walk for a few days or weeks. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is often prescribed to aid in the recovery process and restore knee function. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are also typically scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns. Overall, the length of recovery and specific rehabilitation plan can vary based on the patient's age, health status, and the extent of the knee injury or condition
What type of follow-up care will I have during recovery?
You may receive referrals to physical therapy. Physical therapy plays a vital role in knee arthroscopy recovery by helping to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the knee joint. Your therapist will guide you through exercises and treatments specific to your condition, gradually increasing your activity level and helping you regain mobility.
Risk & Benefits
Benefits:
Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure with several potential benefits. It is minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. Knee arthroscopy can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment of various knee conditions.
Risks:
It can address issues like meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries. However, like any surgical procedure, knee arthroscopy does carry some risks. These include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and stiffness or pain in the knee.
Recovery
The recovery time for knee arthroscopy can vary depending on factors such as the specific procedure performed, individual healing rates, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. In general, most patients can expect to begin weight-bearing activities within a few days to a week after surgery, with a gradual increase in mobility and strength over the following weeks.
