Arthroscopic knee surgery is a surgery on the knee by using an arthroscope and other instruments to repair damaged tissue in the knee joint. Arthroscope is a fiber optic telescope inserted into the joint to see the internal condition and as a guide for surgery. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a one day care surgery, it means the patient can go home immediately after surgery completed. Arthroscopic knee surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, but can also be done with epidural anesthesia and regional anesthesia. This operation is a procedure that commonly performed in various countries around the world. According to the American Society For Orthopedic Sports Medicine, the arthroscopic knee surgery has been carried out in four million cases worldwide each year. The average arthroscopic knee surgery cost in U.S is about $11,900, but it can be differ in your area. Its better to ask directly to according hospital.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Procedure
Arthroscopic knee surgery is indicate to some cases, such as: inflammation of synovial tissue, torn of meniscus cartilage, loose fragment of cartilage and bone, torn of anterior ligament cruriate, and torn of articular cartilage.
When you decide to perform the arthroscopic knee surgery, you will be checked by your doctor about your body readiness to do the anesthesia and surgery procedure. You will be asked about allergies, medications that you are currently used, and other diseases that you suffer. You may also doing an Electrocardiography and some laboratory check-up as a additional investigation. You will suggest to fasting about 8 hours before the arthroscopy is performed to avoid anesthesia problems.
You should come to the hospital one or two hours before the operation began. Then, you will be asked by the anesthesiologist about a few things to decide what anesthesia method that suits you, whether general, regional, or local anesthesia. When you are under the influence of anesthesia, the Surgeon will start the arthroscopic knee surgery by making a small incision in your knee to insert the arthroscope. The abnormalities will be seen through the arthroscope, so the doctor will know the diagnosis. When the diagnosis is known and needed surgery intervention, then another incision is made to inserting another operating instruments, such as: lasers, shears, and pincers. When the surgery completed then the wound will be stitched and wrapped with a bandages. Under normal circumstances, the arthroscopic knee surgery lasted less than an hour.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Recovery
Arthroscopic knee surgery patients took an average of 2-4 weeks for recovery. After the operation is complete you will be taken to the observation room for about 1 to 2 hours before you are discharged. Your knee will be wrapped with bandages to close the surgical wound, you must keep it clean and dry. In order to prevent swelling you can lift your legs as often as possible and put the ice in place of swelling. You can use crutches or stick so your knee not weigh bearing directly, you can use it for a couple days until your doctor suggested to stop it. You will be given painkillers for some days and other drugs like aspirin to prevent blood clot.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Exercise
You will be encouraged to do the exercise for several weeks to strengthen the muscles in your legs and knees and prevent contractures (scar) that will reduce your range of motion. you should make an appointment with a physiotherapist to set the right schedule and method of exercise for you.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Complication
Just like another operations, arthroscopic knee surgery also has complications that are generally mild and treatable. complications that often occur post surgery such as blood clot, accumulation of blood in the knee and infection. If you had a fever, chills, redness and swelling around the knee, and the pain intensified after surgery then that is a sign of an infection has occurred and you should see your physician immediately. Collection of blood in the knee will cause symptoms of swelling, pain and red stain in your knee after arthroscopic knee surgery.
