What is knee arthroscopy its causes procedures and risks

Knee arthroscopy has become one of the most advanced procedures in joint surgery and is now the ideal choice for diagnosing and treating knee problems without the need for large incisions. Thanks to technological advancements, this procedure has become simple and safe, performed through very small incisions using high-precision cameras and instruments that allow the surgeon to view the inside of the joint and accurately treat issues like meniscus tears or arthritis efficiently.With arthroscopic surgery, we not only relieve pain but also improve mobility and spee up recovery, helping patients return to their normal lives in a short time.Follow Dalili Medical to learn more about knee arthroscopy, how it is performed, and its potential side effects

Is knee arthroscopy the same as open knee surgery?
No, knee arthroscopy is a less invasive procedure compared to open knee surgery. It is performed through much smaller incisions, which allows for a faster recovery time.

How long does a knee arthroscopy usually take?
The duration varies depending on the case, but typically, the procedure takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition.

Do I need to stay overnight in the hospital after a knee arthroscopy?
Most of these procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day once they recover from the anesthesia.

Will I be awake during the knee arthroscopy?
No, you will be under anesthesia during the procedure. It could be general anesthesia (where you are completely asleep) or regional anesthesia (which numbs the lower half of your body).

Will there be scars after a knee arthroscopy?
The incisions are usually very small, so the scars are minimal and barely noticeable once they heal.

When is it safe to have intercourse after knee arthroscopy?
Generally, you can resume sexual activity within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your recovery progress. If you feel comfortable and physically ready, you can return to normal activities.

Will I feel pain after knee arthroscopy?
You may experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure, which is normal. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers to help manage the discomfort.

Can knee arthroscopy prevent the need for knee replacement?
Knee arthroscopy treats specific conditions but may not prevent the need for a knee replacement in the future if you have severe joint damage or arthritis.

Is there a risk of infection with knee arthroscopy?
Infection is possible, as with any surgical procedure, but your doctor will provide guidelines to minimize this risk and monitor you for any signs of infection.

How long should I wear a compression bandage after knee arthroscopy?
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding when and how to remove the compression bandage after surgery.

Can I shower after knee arthroscopy?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on when it is safe to shower after the procedure.

Are complications common after knee arthroscopy?
Serious complications are very rare, but possible risks include infection, blood clots, or injury to surrounding structures. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the surgery.

When will I experience the full benefits of knee arthroscopy?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but generally, you will start noticing improvements in pain and knee function within weeks to months after the procedure.

Success rate of knee cartilage surgery

The success rate of knee cartilage surgery depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the patient’s overall health, the extent of cartilage damage, and the surgeon’s expertise. Here are some common procedures and their success rates:

Arthroscopy: Used to repair or remove damaged cartilage.
- Success rate: Around 80-90% in suitable cases (such as small tears or recent injuries).
Cartilage transplantation: Replacing damaged cartilage with new cartilage.
- Success rate: Around 70-85%, especially in younger patients with limited cartilage damage.
Advanced cartilage repair techniques (e.g., PRP injections or stem cell therapy): Stimulate natural healing.
- Success rate: Varies depending on the case but has shown positive results in patients with mild to moderate cartilage issues.
Partial or total knee replacement: Used in cases of severe cartilage damage.
- Success rate: Exceeds 90% in most cases, with significant improvement in pain and function.

What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure that allows a surgeon to view the inside of the knee using a small camera inserted through tiny incisions in the skin, without the need for a large open incision. This helps reduce post-surgical pain and speeds up the recovery process. During this procedure, the surgeon can diagnose and treat issues such as meniscus tears, ligament damage, arthritis, and other knee-related problems.

The risks associated with knee arthroscopy are minimal, and the procedure has a high success rate for most patients.
Recovery time and diagnosis depend on the severity of the knee issue and the complexity of the procedure.

Reasons for Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted through tiny incisions in the knee to examine or treat joint problems without making a large cut in the skin. Doctors may recommend this procedure for several reasons, including:

Sports injuries: Such as ligament or cartilage tears, including ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injuries, or meniscus tears. Arthroscopy can quickly diagnose and treat these conditions.
Chronic knee pain: If you have persistent knee pain that cannot be diagnosed through X-rays, arthroscopy may help determine the cause.
Arthritis-related conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy helps detect changes in the joint surface or cartilage.
Removing loose bodies: If small bone fragments or debris are floating inside the knee, arthroscopy can help remove them safely.
Cartilage damage: If the cartilage is worn down or torn, arthroscopy can help repair or clean up the damaged tissue.
Examining swelling or abnormal growths: If unexplained swelling or lumps appear in the knee, arthroscopy can be used to investigate the cause.

Knee Conditions That Can Be Treated with Arthroscopy

Meniscus tear: The meniscus is a cushion-like cartilage between the knee bones that can tear due to injury or wear and tear, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Ligament tears: Ligaments connect bones and stabilize the knee. The most commonly torn ligaments are the ACL and PCL, often due to twisting or improper landing, leading to instability, pain, and swelling.
Patellar dislocation: The patella (kneecap) can move out of place, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
Loose bodies in the joint: Small pieces of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the knee, causing pain, inflammation, and knee locking.
Baker’s cyst: A fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee, often due to inflammation or arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Preparation for Knee Arthroscopy

Preparing for knee arthroscopy requires some steps to ensure the procedure is safe and that recovery is as smooth as possible. Here are the details:

1. Doctor’s Consultation:
The first step is visiting a specialist to assess your condition and determine if knee arthroscopy is necessary. The doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI to pinpoint the exact problem.

2. Medical Tests:
Before the surgery, your doctor may ask you to undergo several tests, including:

Blood tests (to check platelet levels and blood clotting ability).
Liver and kidney function tests, especially if you have a history of related health issues.
Heart and blood pressure assessment if you have a history of cardiovascular conditions.

3. Stopping Certain Medications:
Some medications, especially blood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin), may need to be stopped a few days before the surgery (usually 5 to 7 days) to reduce the risk of bleeding. Always check with your doctor about which medications to stop.

4. Rest and Mental Preparation:
Like any surgery, it’s important to be mentally prepared and relaxed. Your doctor will explain the procedure, reasons for it, and expected outcomes so you fully understand what to expect.

5. Fasting Before Surgery:
You will likely need to fast for at least six hours before the procedure—this means no food or drinks. Fasting helps ensure general anesthesia is administered safely.

6. Wearing Comfortable Clothes:
On the day of the surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably something that opens from the front, to make it easier for the medical team to access your knee.

7. Arranging Transportation:
If you will be under general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.

8. Cleaning the Knee Area:
Before the procedure, the doctor or nurse will thoroughly clean your knee with antiseptic solutions to reduce the risk of infection.

9. Signing a Consent Form:
In some cases, you may need to sign a consent form to confirm that you understand the procedure and the potential risks involved.

Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

Knee arthroscopy is generally a simple procedure compared to traditional surgeries, but it still requires precision and skill to ensure success and good results. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

1. Anesthesia

The first step is anesthesia, which can be either:

Local anesthesia: You will feel numbness around the knee area but remain awake during the procedure.
General anesthesia: If necessary, the doctor may decide on full anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

2. Preparing the Area

Before starting, the doctor will clean and disinfect the skin around the knee using antiseptics to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, small incisions will be made to insert surgical instruments.

3. Inserting the Arthroscope

Once anesthesia and disinfection are complete, the doctor will make a very small incision (0.5 to 1 cm) in the skin.

Through this incision, the arthroscope (a small instrument with a camera and special lenses) is inserted, allowing the doctor to view a clear, live image of the joint on a screen.
The arthroscope is carefully moved inside the joint to examine the internal structures, including the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

4. Performing the Procedure

For diagnosis: The doctor will carefully examine the knee to detect issues such as meniscus or ligament tears.
For treatment: If a specific issue needs to be addressed, such as repairing a torn meniscus or removing damaged tissue, the doctor will use additional small instruments (which may be inserted through a second tiny incision).
- These specialized instruments allow precise adjustments and removal of damaged areas without significantly affecting the surrounding tissues.

5. Ensuring Proper Results

After completing the necessary procedures, the doctor will check for any bleeding or additional issues inside the joint. Then, the arthroscope and all surgical instruments will be removed.

6. Closing the Incisions

The small incisions will be closed using fine stitches or special surgical tape.
These incisions are very small and do not require large cuts like traditional surgeries, helping to speed up recovery.

7. Sterilization & Post-Procedure Recovery

If general anesthesia was used, you will be monitored in the recovery room before discharge.
If local anesthesia was used, you will rest for a short period before being allowed to leave.
The doctor will advise you to rest for a short time after surgery and may schedule follow-up appointments or physical therapy sessions for proper recovery.

Risks and Complications of Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is generally a simple and safe surgical procedure. However, like any surgery, there are some potential risks and complications, although they are quite rare. Here’s an overview of the possible risks:

1. Infection

As with any surgical procedure, there is a slight risk of infection at the small incision sites where the instruments were inserted. To minimize this risk, antiseptics are used, and the area is thoroughly cleaned before surgery. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be needed.

2. Bleeding

Although the incisions are very small, some bleeding may occur, especially if there is an issue with the blood vessels inside the knee or if a procedure involving ligament or cartilage repair is performed.

3. Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury

If instruments are not properly guided during surgery, there is a slight risk of injuring nerves or blood vessels around the knee. Such injuries are rare but could lead to pain or movement problems after surgery.

4. Scar Tissue Formation or Stiffness

In some cases, scar tissue may develop inside the knee, particularly if there is inflammation after surgery. This could lead to restricted movement or discomfort.

5. Cartilage or Ligament Damage

If the instruments are used incorrectly or the procedure is not performed precisely, there is a possibility of damaging the cartilage or ligaments inside the knee. This could result in chronic pain or impaired knee function.

6. Swelling and Pain

Some swelling and pain after surgery are normal, but in rare cases, swelling may persist longer than expected, or the pain may be severe. In such cases, additional treatment might be necessary.

7. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT)

Although the risk of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis in the leg, is low, it can happen, especially if the patient remains inactive for an extended period after surgery. Doctors usually encourage early movement after the procedure to reduce the risk of clot formation.

8. Failure to Achieve the Desired Outcome

In some cases, the procedure might not achieve the expected results, whether for diagnosis or treatment. For example, if the knee problem is too severe or complex, a more extensive surgery may be required after the arthroscopy.

Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery after knee arthroscopy is a crucial phase that requires proper care, following the surgeon's instructions, and engaging in rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome. While recovery experiences may vary depending on the specific procedure performed and individual factors, here are general guidelines on what to expect during the recovery period:

Immediately After Surgery:

You will spend some time in the recovery area as you wake up from anesthesia.
Your knee may be wrapped in a bandage or brace to provide support and reduce swelling.
Pain, swelling, and discomfort are common symptoms; medications will help you manage them.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation:

Your surgeon will likely prescribe a physical therapy plan to help you regain strength, range of motion, and function in your knee.
Rehabilitation exercises are essential to prevent stiffness and promote healing.
Weight-bearing instructions will vary; you may need crutches or a brace depending on your condition.

Wound Care & Follow-Up:

Keep the surgical wounds clean and dry to prevent infection.
Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary.

Gradual Resumption of Activities:

As your knee heals, you will gradually increase your activity level under the guidance of your surgeon and physical therapist.
Returning to work and daily activities will depend on your job type and progress in recovery.

Swelling & Bruising:

Swelling and bruising are common after knee arthroscopy.
Elevating your leg, applying ice, and wearing compression garments as advised by your surgeon will help reduce these symptoms.

Rest & Patience:

Adequate rest is important for proper healing. Give your body the time it needs to fully recover.

Recovery Time:

The recovery period varies depending on the procedure and individual condition.
Most people can return to light activities within a few days, but full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.
For more extensive procedures, recovery may take several months.

Who Performs Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon—a specialist in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including those affecting bones, joints, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. Using advanced techniques such as arthroscopy, the surgeon treats knee injuries and related issues like meniscus tears or arthritis.