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Knee
Arthroscopy
If
you have persistent pain, catching, or swelling in your knee, a procedure known
as arthroscopy may help relieve these problems.
Arthroscopy
allows us to diagnose and treat knee disorders by providing a clear view of the
inside of the knee with small incisionss, using a pencil-sized instrument
called an arthroscope. The scope allows transmission of an image of your knee
through a small camera to a television monitor. The image allows us to
thoroughly examine the interior of the knee and determine the source of the
problem. During the procedure, we also can insert surgical instruments through
other small incisions in your knee to remove or repair damaged tissues.
With
improvements of arthroscopes and higher resolution cameras, the procedure has
become highly effective for both the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of
knee problems.
The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily injured. It is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur.
Four bands of tissue-the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments-connect the femur and the tibia and provide joint stability. Strong thigh muscles give the knee strength and mobility.
The
surfaces where the femur, tibia, and patella touch are covered with articular
cartilage. Articular cartilage is a smooth substance that cushions the bones
and enables them to glide freely. Semicircular rings of tough fibrous cartilage
tissue, called the lateral and medial menisci, act as shock absorbers and
stabilizers.
The bones of the knee are surrounded by a thin, smooth tissue capsule lined by a thin synovial membrane. The synovium releases a special fluid that lubricates the knee, reducing friction to nearly zero in a healthy knee.
Normally,
all parts of the knee work together in harmony. Sports, work injuries,
arthritis, or weakening of the tissues with age can cause wear and
inflammation, resulting in pain and diminished knee function.
Arthroscopy
can be used to diagnose and treat many of these problems:
Problems in the knee joint that usually can be seen with an arthroscope.
By
providing a clear picture of the knee, arthroscopy can also help us decide
whether other types of reconstructive surgery would be beneficial.
You need to be evaluated by us to determine whether you could benefit from arthroscopy. Signs
that you may be a candidate for this procedure include swelling, persistent
pain, catching, giving way, and loss of confidence in your knee. When other
treatments, such as the regular use of medications, knee supports, and physical
therapy, have provided minimal or no improvement, you may benefit from
arthroscopy.
Most
arthroscopies are performed on patients between 20 and 60 years of age.
Patients younger than 10 years of age and older than 80 years of age have
benefited from the procedure as well.
The
Orthopaedic Knee Evaluation
The orthopaedic knee evaluation usually consists of a medical history, a physical examination, and X-rays. During
the medical history, we will gather information about your general health and
will ask you about your symptoms.
A
physical examination will be done to assess the motion and stability and muscle
strength of the knee as well as the overall alignment of the leg.
X-rays
will be done to evaluate the bones of the knee. We may also arrange for you to
undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide more information about the
soft tissues of your knee. An MRI uses magnetic sound waves to create images.
They are not X-rays. Blood tests may be obtained to determine if you have
arthritis.
We
will review the results of your evaluation with you and discuss the best
methods to further diagnose your knee problem. Other diagnostic tests may be
indicated, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
We
will explain the potential risks and complications of knee arthroscopy,
including those related to the surgery itself and those that can occur after
your surgery.
If
you decide to have arthroscopy, you may be asked to have a complete medical
examination before surgery. This will assess your health and rule out any
conditions that could interfere with your surgery.
Before
surgery, tell us about any medications or supplements that you are taking. You
will be informed which medications you should stop taking before surgery.
Tests,
such as blood samples or a cardiogram, may be ordered by us to help plan your
procedure.
Arthroscopic
Surgery of the Knee
Almost
all arthroscopic knee surgery is done on an outpatient basis for healthy
patients. Usually, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital an hour or two
prior to your surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night
before your surgery.
After
arrival, you will be evaluated by a member of the anesthesia team. Arthroscopy
can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia
numbs your knee, regional anesthesia numbs you below your waist, and general
anesthesia puts you to sleep. The anesthesiologist will help you determine
which would be the best for you.
If
you have local or regional anesthesia, you may be able to watch the procedure
on a monitor, if you wish.
We will make a few small incisions in your knee. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid, providing a clear view of your knee. We
will then insert the arthroscope to properly diagnose your problem, using the
image projected on a monitor to guide the arthroscope. If surgical treatment is
needed, we can use a variety of small surgical instruments (e.g., scissors,
clamps, motorized shavers, or lasers) through another small incision.
Common
treatments with knee arthroscopy include:
At
the conclusion of your surgery, we will close your incisions with a suture and
cover them with a bandage.
You
will be moved to the recovery room / daycare room . Usually, you will be ready
to go home in four to six hours. You should have someone with you to drive you
home.
Recovery
from knee arthroscopy is much faster than recovery from traditional open knee
surgery. Still, it is important to follow our instructions carefully after you
return home. You should ask someone to check on you that evening.
Swelling
Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery. Apply ice to relieve swelling and pain. Dressing
Care
You
will leave the hospital with a dressing covering your knee. It will be removed
after 2 days . You may shower, but should avoid directing water at the
incisions. Do not soak in a tub. Keep your incisions clean and dry.
We
will see you in the office a few days after surgery to check your progress,
review the surgical findings, and begin your postoperative treatment program.
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