Knee Arthroscopy - What You Need To Know

Arthroscopy in Delhi is a common surgical procedure in which a joint is visualized using a small camera. Arthroscopy gives doctors a clear view of the inside of the knee. This helps them diagnose and treat knee problems.

Technical advances have led to high-definition monitors and high-resolution cameras. These and other improvements have made arthroscopy a very effective tool for treating knee problems. According to Orthopaedic in Delhi, more than 4 million knee arthroscopies are performed worldwide each year.

Description

Arthroscopy is done through small incisions. During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi inserts the arthroscope (an instrument with a small, pencil-sized camera) into your knee joint. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor. On the monitor, your surgeon can see the knee structures in great detail.

Your surgeon can use arthroscopy to feel, repair, or remove injured tissue. To do this, small surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions around your knee.

Preparation for surgery

If you decide to have knee arthroscopy in Delhi, you may need a complete physical exam with your family doctor before surgery. Your doctor will evaluate your health and identify any problems that may interfere with your surgery.

Before surgery, tell your orthopaedic surgeon in West Delhi about any medications or supplements that you take. The doctor will tell you which medications you should stop taking before surgery.

To help plan the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon in Dwarka may order preoperative exams. These may include blood cell counts or an EKG (electrocardiogram).

Surgery

Almost all arthroscopic knee surgery is performed in outpatient care.

Process

The best knee surgeon in Delhi will make small incisions in your knee. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and remove any cloudy fluid. This helps your orthopaedic surgeon see your knee clearly and in full detail.

Your surgeon's first task is to properly diagnose your problem. He or she will insert the arthroscope and use the image projected on the screen to guide you. If surgical treatment is necessary, your best knee surgeon in West Delhi will insert tiny instruments through another small incision. These instruments can be scissors, razors, or lasers.

This part of the procedure generally lasts from 30 minutes to just over an hour. How long it lasts depends on the findings and the treatment needed.

Knee arthroscopy in Delhi is most commonly used to:

• Remove or repair broken meniscus cartilage
• Reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament
• Trim broken pieces of articular cartilage
• Remove loose pieces of bone or cartilage
• Remove inflamed synovial tissue

Your surgeon can close the incisions with a suture or steri-strips (small adhesive strips) and cover them with a soft bandage.

You will be transferred to the recovery room and could go home in 1 to 2 hours. Make sure someone is with you to drive you home.

Recovery

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than traditional open knee surgery. Still, it is important to follow your orthopaedic surgeon's instructions carefully after you return home. You should ask someone to accompany you the first night at your home.

Inflammation

Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery. Apply ice according to the recommendations of orthopaedic in West Delhi to relieve inflammation and pain.

Care of compresses

You will leave the hospital with a bandage that will cover your knee. Keep the incisions clean and dry. Your orthopaedic in Dwarka will tell you when you can shower or bathe, and when you should change the dressing.

Your surgeon will see you in the office a few days after surgery to monitor your progress, review the results of the surgery, and begin your postoperative treatment program.

Bear weight

Most patients need crutches or other assistance after arthroscopic surgery. Your orthopaedic doctor in Delhi will tell you when it is safe to support weight on your foot and leg. If you have any questions about bearing weight, call your surgeon.

Driving vehicles

Your orthopaedic doctor in West Delhi will discuss with you when you will be able to drive. This decision is based on several factors, including:

• The involved knee
• If you drive an automatic or manual transmission vehicle
• The nature of the procedure
• Your level of pain
• If you are using narcotic pain medicine
• How much can you control your knee?

Typically, patients can drive 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure.

Medicines

Your orthopaedic doctor in Dwarka will prescribe pain medication to help ease the discomfort after surgery. Your doctor may also recommend medications such as aspirin to decrease the risk of blood clots.

You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after surgery. This will restore movement and strengthen your leg and knee muscles.

Therapeutic exercise will play an important role in your recovery. A formal physical therapy program can improve the bottom line.

Final Result

Unless you have a ligament reconstruction, you should be able to return to most of your physical activities after 6 to 8 weeks, or sometimes much earlier. Higher impact activities should be avoided for a longer time. You will need to speak to your doctor before resuming intense physical activities.

If your job involves heavy tasks, it may take longer before you can get back to work. Discuss with your orthopedic in Delhi when it is reasonable and safe for you to return to work.

The result of your surgery will likely be determined by the degree of damage to your knee. For example, if the articular cartilage in your knee has worn down completely, then full recovery may not be possible. You may need to change your lifestyle. This may mean limiting your activities and looking for low-impact exercise alternatives.