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Knee Arthroscopy |
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Click here for printable version What happens after the Arthroscopy?
What is an Arthroscopy? Arthroscopy is commonly known as keyhole surgery which allows the surgeon to view the inside of your joint, providing a more accurate way to diagnose and treat certain conditions. A small camera is inserted into the knee and the images are relayed to a television screen. Specialist instruments are introduced into the joint through small incisions (less than 1cm). Using these instruments a surgeon can perform a number of procedures. These include washing out fluid or tissue debris, removing or reattaching loose fragments, repairing or removing torn cartilage. This is a minor surgical technique normally carried out under a general anaesthetic.
Reasons for an Arthroscopy
Before your Arthroscopy Prior to your arthroscopy, your knee may be painful and swollen. Even though it is a relatively minor procedure, it is important that you understand what is involved in an arthroscopy and what you will be required to do immediately after the procedure. Your physiotherapist will support, guide and coach you through the process so that on the day of surgery you are in the best possible mental and physical condition. Your physiotherapist will discuss with you issues such as:
You may be given an exercise rehabilitation programme which should begin before surgery so that your knee is in the best possible condition on the day of surgery. We prefer not to operate if a patient is not properly prepared for surgery. The Operation Most arthroscopies last between 30-60 minutes depending on what procedures the surgeon has to perform. The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Patients are admitted to hospital for day surgery but on some occasions may require an overnight stay. Once you are anaesthetised a tourniquet (a form of tight bandage) is placed around your thigh prior to the operation. This is inflated with gas throughout the procedure and minimises bleeding within the knee during the arthroscopy. The tourniquet rarely causes a problem, but may leave you with a "tight" feeling around the thigh for a day or two. Two to three small incisions are made at the front of the knee, one through which an arthroscope is inserted and another to insert the instruments required during the procedure. Normal Saline “salty fluid” is passed through the knee and this helps to inflate the knee and makes visualisation of the knee structures easier. A small puncture wound is made on the side of the knee to allow this fluid to escape from the joint. At the end of the operation, the fluid is drained from the knee. Local anaesthetic and morphine are injected into the knee to minimise discomfort after surgery. A relatively tight bandage is then applied. Stitches are not usually required to close the wounds; steri- strips, a type of sticky tape, temporarily hold the wounds closed. A tight bandage is applied and this should remain on for at least 4-7 days. With modern anaesthetic techniques, most patients usually wake relatively quickly. What happens after the Arthroscopy You will normally be seen in the out-patient clinic 7-10 days after surgery in combination with my practice nurse. At this appointment, the bandages will be removed. The operation that was performed will be explained to you again as well as any follow up treatments that may be required. Possible Complications All operations have a small risk of complications. In most cases the procedure is done without any problems. Complications occur in less than 1 in 100 cases and can include:
Knee Arthroscopy Protocol
Keep wounds clean, dry, and covered at all times until Outpatient Review First morning after surgery... Remove outer wool and crepe bandages, leaving sticky plasters in place. These can be covered with tegaderm (waterproof clear dressings) which will be provided to you before your discharge from hospital. Tegaderm dressings allow showering, but not bathing. They should not be submerged. The wounds should be covered with Tegaderm dressings for at least 10 days. They can be removed if they start to peel off, and be replaced. Do not remove the plaster or the steri-strips underneath the tegaderm dressing unless absolutely necessary.
If the dressing is peeling and you are not keen to take it off, then it may be best to reinforce it with a further dressing on top, and try to keep it as dry as possible. Post-op care of your knee Ice and elevate the knee to reduce swelling. Always cover the ice with either a towel or pillowcase. You can “ice” for 15-20 minutes at a time during the day approximately every 1-2 hours. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Even if you are not in pain, it is best to take, at the very least, the anti-inflammatories (or the pain killers if you cannot tolerate the anti-inflammatories) for the first 5 days. Some patients find anti-inflammatories make then nauseous and give them a "stomach upset". Please contact Mr Haddad's office on 0207 935 6083 or the hospital if you have any further queries or experience any of the symptoms below:
Please talk to Mr Haddad before your operation if you have concerns about possible risks. We hope the information provided has been of benefit to you. For further information please contact us on 0207 935 6083.
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© Fares Haddad, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, 2006. Home. Contact. Top of Page |
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