Treatments

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that can diagnose and treat problems in the kneejoint. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a very small incision and insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope into yourknee. This allows them to view the inside of the joint on a screen. How long is recovery from arthroscopic knee replacement surgery? It takes up to six weeks for the knee joint to re-establish normal joint fluid after arthroscopic surgery. Because of this, you may not realize the benefits of your surgery for four to six weeks. There is a high degree of variability in recovery times. What can I expect from arthroscopic knee surgery? Your Recovery. Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor put a lighted tube with a tiny camera called an arthroscope, or scope and surgical tools through small incisions in your knee. You will feel tired for several days. Are you awake during arthroscopic knee surgery? Three different types of pain relief (anesthesia) may be used for knee arthroscopy surgery. You will stay awake during your arthroscopic knee surgery. Spinal anesthesia – This is also called regional anesthesia. Painkilling medicine is injected into a space in your spine. Can you walk right after arthroscopic knee surgery? If necessary due to pain, patients may opt to use crutches or a walker for a few days after surgery. Once more comfortable, most people are able to walk with a minimal limp within one or two weeks after surgery. Most patients realize a benefit from arthroscopic knee surgery within 4 to 6 weeks. Are you put to sleep for knee arthroscopy? General Anesthesia: General anesthesia allows you to sleep through the procedure. Regional Anesthesia: This includes epidural and spinal anesthesia. These options are acceptable for most types of knee arthroscopy. They allow patients to remain awake during the procedure.

The knee joint is a frequent source of problems requiring the attention of an orthopaedic surgeon. The joint is primarily formed by the two large bones of the lower limb, the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The patella (kneecap) articulates with the femur at the front of the knee. The fibula joins with the tibia on the lateral (outside) side of the knee. Together, the femur, tibia and patella make three compartments (medial, lateral and patellofemoral). Each of the bones has a bearing surface of articular or hyaline cartilage. In addition there is a meniscus in each of the medial and lateral compartments. The menisci are like cushions or spacers and are made of fibrocartilage. They often simply referred to as the cartilages. The direction of movement of the bones is controlled by the ligaments and the muscles make the joint move. The major ligaments are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. In addition, the collateral ligaments have important associated ligaments towards the back of the knee. The major muscle groups are the quadriceps at the front of the thigh and the hamstring muscles at the back. Muscles attach to bones via tendons. The main tendons around the knee are the quadriceps and patellar tendons which attach to the top and bottom of the patella respectively. The iliotibial band is like a tendon on the lateral side of the knee.