Knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. It involves the use of an arthroscope, a small camera inserted into the knee joint through a small incision. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi .This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a screen and perform necessary surgical repairs through additional small incisions. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi

Indications for Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is commonly used to address:

• Torn Meniscus: Repairing or removing the damaged meniscus cartilage.
• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears: Reconstructing the torn ligament.
• Damaged Cartilage: Repairing or smoothing out the damaged cartilage.
• Loose Bodies: Removing fragments of bone or cartilage that are floating in the joint.
• Synovial Tissue: Removing inflamed synovial tissue in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Knee Infections: Treating infections within the knee joint.

Procedure

1. Preparation: The patient is usually given anesthesia, either general or local, depending on the case.
2. Incisions: Small incisions (portals) are made around the knee. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi
3. Insertion of Arthroscope: The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions, and sterile saline is used to expand the knee joint for better visibility. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi
4. Diagnosis and Treatment: Using the images from the arthroscope, the surgeon can diagnose the problem and use small instruments inserted through other incisions to perform the necessary procedures. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi
5. Closure: The incisions are closed with stitches or steri-strips, and a bandage is applied. Dr.Abhishek Mishra – Best orthopedic doctor in Varanasi

Benefits

• Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions lead to less pain and quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
• Quick Recovery: Patients often recover faster and with less pain.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear view of the inside of the knee, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Risks

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
• Bleeding: There may be minor bleeding during the procedure.
• Blood Clots: There is a small risk of developing blood clots.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Rarely, the instruments may cause damage.
• Stiffness: Some patients may experience stiffness in the knee post-surgery.

Recovery

• Post-Operative Care: Following the procedure, patients are usually able to go home the same day.
• Pain Management: Pain and swelling can be managed with medication and ice packs.
• Physical Therapy: A rehabilitation program may be prescribed to restore knee function and strength.
• Activity: Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Full recovery may take a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Increased pain, redness, or swelling in the knee.
• Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection.
• Persistent numbness or weakness in the leg.

Knee arthroscopy is a highly effective procedure for diagnosing and treating various knee conditions with a relatively quick recovery time and minimal complications. Always follow your surgeon’s advice for the best outcome.