Knee Arthroscopy

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What to expect with Knee Arthroscopy Surgery:

Introduction

Knee Arthroscopy Surgery is key hole surgery that can be done alone or in association with other surgeries such as Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction or medial patellofemoral reconstruction for recurrent patella dislocation.

Operation

This procedure is generally a day only surgery. The patient presents at the hospital the day of the surgery and then leaves after a few hours of surgery.

Arthroscopies are usually performed under a general or regional anesthetic. Insertion is through 2 or more cuts at the front of the knee less than 1cm long through which a camera, or telescope camera, and instruments are inserted to diagnose and treat pathology inside the knee. 

Indications

1. Meniscal tear, debridement or repair.
2. Removal of loose bodies and/or foreign bodies.
3. Treatment of cartilage damage.
4. Diagnosis and assessment and treatment of intraarticular fracture.
5. Assess anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.
6. Treatment of plica lesions.
7. Assessment of arthritic changes in the knee.

Types of Meniscal Tear

Meniscal Repair Arthroscopically - Knee

Watch Dr Al Muderis in surgery repairing the meniscus of the knee,  arthroscopically.

Contraindications

Advance arthritis.
Patient unsuitable for surgery.

Weight bearing

The operation is a day only procedure.

Use an ice pack over night with a towel between ice pack and the limb to prevent burning.

Mobilise and weight bear as tolerated with crutches as tolerated after surgery.

You may walk on the operated leg within the limits of pain.

Avoid putting pillow under knee, encourage movement of ankle and toes.

Muscle Stabilising

To stabilise muscles, commence strengthening exercises six weeks after operation. 

Sports

  • Jogging at 6 weeks in a straight line.
  • Returning to other sports is the same.
  • Skiing, snowboarding or any similar sport can be commenced 6 months after operation.

Photos