Knee Arthroscopy Surgery: Patient Information Leaflet

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. During the procedure, a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee through a tiny incision, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a monitor. This technique uses small incisions, which results in less tissue damage, a quicker recovery time, and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Knee arthroscopy can be performed for a variety of reasons, including damage to the cartilage, ligaments, or meniscus, or to remove debris from the joint.

Why is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?

Knee arthroscopy may be recommended to treat or diagnose a number of knee issues, including:

·       Meniscus Tears: Injury or damage to the specialised cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones.

·       Ligament Injuries: Such as damage to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament).

·       Cartilage Damage: Damaged or worn cartilage, often seen in conditions like osteoarthritis.

·       Knee Infections or Debris: To remove damaged tissue, bone spurs, or foreign objects from the joint.

·       Synovitis: Inflammation of the lining of the knee joint (synovium).

·       Patella (kneecap) problems: Including malalignment or damage.

How is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?

Knee arthroscopy is typically performed under general anaesthesia in most children or regional anesthesia (such as a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body) in adults. The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1.     Preparation: You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The surgical area will be cleaned and sterilized.

2.     Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions (typically 1-2) around the knee, through which the arthroscope and surgical instruments will be inserted.

3.     Inspection: The arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera, is inserted to view the inside of the knee joint. The surgeon can assess any damage to the cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, or other structures.

4.     Treatment: If necessary, the surgeon may use small instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue, trim the meniscus, or treat other issues.

5.     Completion: Once the procedure is finished, the incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied.

The procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the complexity of the issue being treated.

Possible Risks and Complications

While knee arthroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including:

·       Infection: A risk of infection at the incision sites or within the knee joint.

·       Bleeding: Slight bleeding or fluid accumulation inside the joint.

·       Blood Clots: The formation of blood clots, especially in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).

·       Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Rare, but possible damage to surrounding nerves or blood vessels.

·       Stiffness or Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving the knee joint after surgery.

·       Damage to the Cartilage or Other Structures: In rare cases, the procedure may inadvertently damage healthy tissue.

·       Pain or Swelling: Temporary pain or swelling after surgery.

After the Procedure

Post-operative recovery after knee arthroscopy is generally quicker than open surgery due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. After surgery, you may experience:

·       Pain and discomfort around the knee (typically mild to moderate), which can be managed with pain medications. This can last anything between 7-12 days after the operation.

·       Swelling and bruising around the knee joint.

·       Limited range of motion initially, which improves over time with rehabilitation.

Post-Operative Instructions:

·       Rest and Ice: Rest your knee and use ice to reduce swelling.

·       Elevation: Elevate your leg to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

·       Wound Care: Keep the incision sites clean and dry for 2 weeks. Follow your discharge instructions on how to care for your wounds and when to remove dressings.

·       Medications: Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended, but check with your surgeon.

·       Physical Therapy: A rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, may be recommended to restore knee strength and mobility. Therapy usually starts within a few days after surgery.

·       Follow-up Appointments: You will need to follow up with your surgeon to check on your recovery, remove stitches (if necessary), and assess the healing process.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from knee arthroscopy depends on the extent of the surgery and any additional treatments performed during the procedure. On average, most people can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery can take 3-6 weeks for minor procedures or up to 3-6 months for more complex cases.

Key Milestones in Recovery:

·       Week 1-2: You may use crutches initially and avoid putting full weight on the knee. Swelling and pain should decrease with proper care.

·       Week 2-4: Continue gentle range-of-motion exercises and start strengthening exercises as recommended by your physical therapist.

·       Month 1-3: Gradually return to regular activities. Avoid high-impact sports until your surgeon clears you.

·       3-6 Months: Full return to sports and strenuous activities is usually possible after 3-6 months, depending on the surgery and rehabilitation process.

When to Seek Medical Attention

After knee arthroscopy, contact my team if you experience any of the following:

·       Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication.

·       Signs of infection, including redness, warmth, fever, or drainage from the incision.

·       Excessive swelling that doesn’t decrease with elevation and ice.

·       Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot.

·       Difficulty moving your knee or a feeling of instability in the joint.

Conclusion

Knee arthroscopy is a safe and effective way to diagnose and treat a variety of knee problems with minimal disruption to your daily life. By following your surgeon's instructions and participating in physical therapy, most people experience significant improvement in knee function and can return to their regular activities in a short period.

If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, recovery, or potential risks, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via the contact details below.