Knee arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique through two small incisions in the skin, of less than one centimeter, for accessing and treating a wide range of injuries and illnesses in the various structures that comprise the knee joint.
Benefits of intervention
This technique has become the standard treatment for problems of the knee and is in constant development, provides the access to deep and hard to reach structures of the knee, with a complete view of the inside. This technique allows to treat knee problems that appear in patients with pain, and limitation of mobility, especially related to sports injuries and degenerative problems
Medical-technical description
Knee arthroscopy is commonly performed for treating the following problems:
- Meniscus injury, when possible meniscal suture is the most convenient technique for preserving meniscus, and then prevents future osteoarthritis. If no alternative is possible, meniscectomy is intended to be as partial as possible to preserve the maximum amount of meniscus and maximum joint protection
- Cartilage microfracturing, using different techniques, depending on the type and size of the lesion, we shall treat these diseases
- Arthroscopic removal of loose bodies, that produces a small locking of the joint
- As a technique to provide a better performance for other surgical techniques in cases of tibial plateau fractures, avulsion of the anterior tibial spine, or realignment of the extensor apparatus, for example
The surgeon makes two small incisions (of about 1/4 of an inch), around the joint area, which are accessible to the injured area with a camera and instruments specific to each type of injury. Occasionally, more cuts may be needed depending on the disease being treated.
The Procedure
Arthroscopic knee surgery is performed in the operating theatre, and usually requires the use of a device of ischemia in the thigh. In general, spinal anesthesia is applied in these cases, thus achieving a more comfortable postoperative period with less pain than conventional surgery of the knee. The duration of the surgery is of 30 to 60 minutes depending on the problem being treated. Before being discharged from the hospital, the patient usually spends there the first night. Afterwards receives a discharge report with recommendations, treatment and recall appointments to follow.
Preoperative measures
- Prior assessment at the clinic, deciding and stating the specific aspects of the surgery and giving informed consent
- You must provide a comprehensive list of medicines you take regularly (including herbal medicines) at the time of the operation
- Conducting a preoperative evaluation consisting of a blood test, biochemistry, coagulation, chest radiograph and ECG
- Wash previous night and morning the area to undergo surgery with antiseptic soap. If desired, you can shave the knee for surgery at home the day before the intervention, from mid-thigh to mid leg
- Get two crutches or English canes that will be needed for some weeks after surgery
- If the surgery is scheduled in the morning, you must go to hospital on an empty stomach. If it is afternoon, have an early breakfast and do not take food or drink from 9 am
- Do not wear any metal object during operation (rings, bracelets, earrings, piercing, etc.)
Posotperative care
- Discomfort and swelling are the effects you can suffer the days following surgery, which will disappear with the medication directed by your surgeon
- Use a compressive elastic bandage, which can be maintained while in bed
- Movement starts from the first day. Loads, unless specifically counterindicated by your doctor, is authorized immediately, although we recommend the use of two crutches as a support for walking in the early days
- You must receive thrombo and antibiotic prophylaxis
- Once discharged, you should contact us if you have chest pain or shortness of breath, pain, swelling or redness in one leg, sudden pain in the operated knee, or fever and chills processes
You can also download the Informed Consent from the official website of the SECOT, the Sociedad Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología
