Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Delhi, India

Arthroscopic knee surgery is the insertion of an arthroscope in the knee joint through a small incision. An arthroscope is a small camera that lets the doctor view the knee joint and provide treatment accordingly.

Knee arthroscopy helps in identifying and treating various knee problems such as:

• Torn meniscus

• Torn anterior and posterior cruciate ligament

• Misalignment of the kneecap

• Baker cyst removal

• Loose torn cartilage pieces in the joint

• Knee bone fracture

• Swelling or damage to the lining of the knee joint

Alternate Name of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Keyhole surgery

Body Location

Knee joint

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive surgical procedure

Preparation for the Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Procedure

Preparation for arthroscopic knee surgery involves the following:

• Medical history: The doctor will note your previous health problems and your current medications. You might have to discontinue certain medications which can interfere with blood clotting.

• Pre-operative tests: Your doctor will conduct some tests before performing the arthroscopic procedure. Pre-operative tests like blood reports and an electrocardiogram (EKG) will be conducted to assess your overall health.

• Diet and medication: You must avoid food and drink 6 to 12 hours before the scheduled procedure. You can take the necessary medications only with a small amount of water.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: Inform your doctor regarding smoking and alcohol consumption. It is advisable to stop smoking before the procedure is conducted to avoid surgical complications. Also, inform your doctor about the amount of alcohol consumed.

• Admission and discharge: Knee arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure. You can leave a few hours after it is done.

How is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Performed?

Your doctor will deliver anaesthesia before beginning the arthroscopic knee surgery. The anaesthesia might be local, regional, or general, depending on the procedure's complexity.

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the surgery site, which is the knee. Regional anaesthesia is injected in the spinal region to deaden the sensation below the waist. General anaesthesia will keep you asleep during the entire procedure.

The knee is kept in place with a positioning device during the procedure. The surgery begins by making small incisions or cuts and pumping saline water into the knee, so it expands. This step facilitates the inspection of the knee joint through the arthroscope.

The arthroscope is inserted via one of the incisions for investigation. The doctor can view the images from the camera on a monitor. After locating the problem and determining the treatment, a surgical tool is inserted through the other cut.

When the issue is treated, the surgical instrument is removed, and the knee is drained of the saline water. The incisions are either closed by stitches or secured with adhesive strip dressing.

Follow up After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopy allows diagnosis and treatment with minimum invasion and cuts to the tissue. The procedure is more advanced and convenient than open surgery, with a faster operation and recovery time. The arthroscopic knee surgery procedure takes less than an hour to perform. You will recuperate in a recovery room for an hour or two after the surgery.

The incisions are covered with a dressing that needs to be kept dry and clean. You will be required to use crutches to avoid putting weight on your knee joint for a few days after the procedure. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines for pain relief and inflammation.

At-home care involves resting or limited movement to promote recovery. Ice packs and keeping the leg elevated will help reduce the swelling post-procedure.

Exercise and physical therapy might be advised to strengthen the muscles and the joints.

Follow-up visits will be scheduled to track your healing and address and treat any post-operative complications.

Risks of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

The risks or complications associated with arthroscopic knee surgery are as follows:

• Pain and inflammation: Pain and swelling in the knee area are common and expected side effects of the surgery.

• Infection: As knee arthroscopy involves making an incision and inserting an instrument in the knee joint, there are chances of infection.

• Blood clot formation: Blood clots are critical for stemming the bleeding during a cut or an injury. The formation of unwanted blood clots in the vein due to surgery can result in severe complications.

• Internal damage: Placing instruments inside the knee joint can damage tissue, nerves, and joints.

Recovery After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

The arthroscopic surgical procedure is less invasive than the conventional open knee surgery. Knee arthroscopy involves making only small cuts for the arthroscope. The images are displayed on a monitor that helps diagnose and treat the condition.

Most patients are discharged on the same day of the procedure after a post-operative check-up by the doctor. The dressing changes from time to time after the procedure. Your doctor will set up appointments to examine how well you are recovering.

Physical therapy and exercises suggested by the doctor will help speed up the healing time.

The recovery time depends on what condition was treated during the process. Complex treatments like removing, replacing, or rebuilding some parts of the knee will take more time to heal. You may require crutches which might limit your mobility for many weeks.

Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, keep the leg elevated, don't put a strain on the knee for a few days, and take the prescribed medication for pain relief. Follow the after-care instructions your doctor provides, and you can resume some of your daily activities.