* Accurate diagnosis
* Usually outpatient surgery
* Decreased suffering & quicker recovery
* Improved cosmetic results
* Functional result equal to or better than regular surgery
Remember that the arthroscope is the final and most accurate diagnostic tool. Sometimes, at arthroscopy, conditions are found that require surgery different from that anticipated preoperatively. This could include open surgery. This is generally done at the same time, but it does give a bigger scar than the scope, thus usually a more extended recovery.
If You Do Need Surgery
Stop taking asipirin and other anti-inflammatories one week prior to the operation. These medications alter blood clotting mechanisms. There are risks and complications associated with surgery that include infection, injury to nerves and/or blood vessels, stiffness, chronic pain, swelling, arthritis and phlebitis. These will be detailed to you should you need surgery.
Usually, you will be asleep at the time of surgery (general anesthestic). Postoperatively, appropriate exercises are an important part of recovery. Usually, these will be guided by a physical therapist in the beginning. You will be given detailed instructions for postop care. You will generally see your surgeon within the first ten days postoperatively, who will check on your healing, movement and strength for the next six weeks to six months. And changes to your treatment plan will be made, as necessary, to optimize your recovery.
Management of Patients with Knee Problems
A. Form a clinical diagnosis with the aid of x-rays and lab studies where necessary.
B. Give nonoperative treatment where appropriate. This could include exercises, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy.
C. Patients who do not respond to nonoperative treatment and patients where nonoperative treatment is not appropriate, require additional investigation. For example, This could include MRI, bone scan, arthritis screen, followed by:
* Diagnostic arthroscopy.
* At the same time, arthroscopic surgery
* If necessary, combined with a miniopen surgery.
Conclusion and Summary
The purpose of this information is to highlight for you the common conditions that cause pain, giving out, locking and swelling in the knee, and which can be arthroscopically treated. This is a very exciting field. Because of the rapid advances that are being made, both in diagnosis and treatment, and in the technology of instrumentation that is available to us, we have come a long way in the treatment of knee conditions, and the pace of advancements is currently accelerating. Please do not hesitate to contact your physician directly if he can answer any other questions for you about arthroscopic knee surgery. Good luck with your treatment.
Check these links for more information concerning specific types of knee problems:
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Chondromalacia patella
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Other causes of knee pain
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Anterior cruciate ligament
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Other ligament injuries
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Advantages of arthroscopic surgery
