Knee arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee is a surgical procedure in which the knee joint is viewed inside using a small camera. Arthroscopy gives a clear view of the inside of the knee and helps for diagnose and treat knee problems. Arthroscopy is done through small incisions. The surgeon can use arthroscopy for example to feel, repair or remove loose fragments and cartilage treatment. Arthroscopy can also be used as support for an intervention that has to do with the joint. For example in restoring a break in the articular surface or transplanting of a tendon and ligament.

Preperation

How to prepare for your operation

Prior to your surgery, you will have a physical examination and you will be given a written prescription for pain medication. First you visit the doctor's assistant. She will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after the treatment and the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, you can read here. This is also your opportunity to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form. The doctor's assistant may check your health and finally the day of surgery is scheduled. You should borrow crutches as you need them to walk following your surgery. For more information: www.thuiszorgwinkel.nl.

Treatment

An arthroscopy can take from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on how much work your surgeon needs to do inside your knee joint. The operation is done usually under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. Alternatively you may have the surgery under local or regional anaesthesia. This completely blocks the pain from the knee area and you will stay awake during the operation. The surgeon will explain you what happens during the procedure of your knee.

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make small cuts in the skin around your knee joint. The surgeon will examine your knee joint by looking at images sent by the arthroscope to a monitor. If necessary, instruments are inserted to repair damage or remove material with fluid that interfere with movement or causes pain in your knee. Afterwards, your surgeon will drain the fluid out and close the cuts with stitches or adhesive strips. Then he will wrap a dressing and a bandage around your knee.

We use the latest technology to minimize tissue damage and recovery will be efficient.

The day of surgery

You can return home on the same day of surgery. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home. You should bring your crutches and personal items such as medicines. You wear comfortable clothing and shoes and leave valuables at home as much as possible.

You appear sober at the clinic. After preparation you will positioned and treated in the operating room. After surgery you will be moved to the recovery room and should be able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. The physical therapist will explain how you can exercise at home so recovery will be as smoothly as possible. It is important to follow the instructions carefully after you return home. You will also be given pain medication to reduce the knee pain.

Recovery after surgery

You will leave the clinic with a dressing covering your knee. Your physical therapist will tell you when you can shower or bathe, when you should change the dressing, how to exercise and how to use the crutches to walk safely. Therapeutic exercise will play an important role in how well you recover. The physical therapy program may improve your final result.
Prevent stress of the stitched wounds: do not bend your knee more than 90 degrees, the week after surgery.
Keep your incisions clean and dry. The beige adhesive strips can removed after 14 days by yourself.

Complications

Surgery is not without risks and complications can arise.

Although the risk of a complication of this surgery is low, complications may be related to anesthesia or infections. Consult your surgeon with the following complications:

Bleeding from the wounds or bleeding in the knee.
The wounds remain sensitive sometimes long after the arthroscopy.
There may be a thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occur
Infection of the knee
Damage to the knee structures, such as nerves or blood vessels

Expectations

Sometimes the outcome of knee surgery is not what you had expected. This may be related to the cause of your complaints. Usually the outcome of surgery is much better than before. Nevertheless, you should realize that an operation involves certain risks and needs an extensive recovery process. Please do not hesitate and consult our clinic if any question or may complication occur.

Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

Is arthroscopic surgery a safe procedure?
Any surgical procedure involves risks, for example infection, blood clots, problems with anesthesia, etc. These are serious risks and the decision to undergo arthroscopic surgery should be taken seriously. Nevertheless, arthroscopic surgery is a "less invasive" procedure and it is often very successful.

Why do I stay sober for the surgery?
You should be sober before a surgery otherwise you might vomit during the operation, which can cause suffocation or pneumonia.

How long takes a arthroscopic surgery procedure?
The average duration of the session takes between 20 and 30 minutes. The inclusion in the clinic is usually several hours.

Do I need help at home after knee arthroscopy?
You may feel groggy for the first 24-48 hours. Rest and give your body time to recover from surgery and anesthesia. For the first 24 hours after surgery you should not be left alone. This is if you need help or unforeseen problems arise. The days after surgery you are not as mobile as usual so it's nice when family or friends will give you a helping hand.

Is there an OK alternative, because of my medical history, for Delft Orthopedium?
Yes, then your orthopedic surgeon will operate you in the Vlietland hospital at Schiedam.

When can I return to work, play sports and participate in traffic?
The time needed for recovery depends upon your injury, your condition and initial complications. For example, ligament reconstruction is a complex surgery and usually needs more recovery time. Often, patients return to work within a few days and return to most of the physical activities within 6-8 weeks. Please consult your surgeon if you expect to return to intense physical activity or sports activities with high impact exercises.

When can I drive a car?
That depends on the progress of your recovery. Discuss this with your surgeon and read the policy conditions of your insurance. It is not advisable to participate in traffic if you use painkillers and/or crutches.

When do I have to start with physical therapy?
You should discuss starting any rehabilitation plan with your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist prior to initiating it.

Can I use my knee after knee arthroscopy instant full load?
It is recommended not to apply a full load on the post arthroscopic knee too early. In the meantime, strengthening exercises are performed under the supervision of your doctor or physical therapist. In any case, ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice and rehabilitation plan preparation.

When should I contact Orthopedium clinic?
For questions please contact us during business hours; you can reach us by phone 088-0088444.

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.