What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is key-hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery into the knee joint using a special instrument containing a camera.
Why is it performed?
A knee arthroscopy is performed for a variety of conditions, including torn meniscus (“torn cartilage”), cartilage damage, loose bodies, “impingement“ syndromes and osteoarthritis among others.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is done under general anaesthetic as a day case. Two small incisions are made over the knee joint and a camera and instruments are inserted into the joint to inspect and carry out any necessary surgery.
What about pain?
Whilst you are in hospital you will be monitored and the medical staff will give you painkillers as required and prescribed. When you are at home you may find Paracetamol or Ibuprofen useful for controlling any pain. Instructions on management of pain will be given by the nursing staff before you leave the hospital.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients who have had knee arthroscopy take between 7-14 days to recover. There will be a padded dressing and bandage over the knee joint but you should be able to walk after the operation. In rare cases crutches will be necessary for a few weeks. Your surgeon will discus this with you.
Paper stitches are used, and are removed at your follow up appointment, which is usually 7-10 days after the operation.
Swimming and bathing will be possible once the dressings are removed and the wounds have healed satisfactorily.
When can I go back to work?
This will depend on the type of work you do. For example if you have a desk job you should be able to return to work after 48 hours. If on the other hand you do manual work where there would be a lot of pressure on the knee then you may need two to four weeks off work. In rare cases. An extended period of rest is needed, but your surgeon will discuss this if necessary.
What about sport?
Your return to sport will depend on the on the procedure carried out inside your knee. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will advise as to the best course of action with regard to return to sport.
What can go wrong?
All operative interventions have an inbuilt risk and complication rate. The risks following arthroscopy to the knee are as follows:
- Infection (the wound may become infected and inflamed).
- Bleeding into the joint.
- Injury to a nerve resulting in numbness on the shin.
- Deep vein thrombosis (clot in a vein).
- Pulmonary embolus (clot in the lungs).
- Recurrence of symptoms.
- Synovial fistula (persistent leakage).
- RSD (a type of chronic pain).
The above complications are rare but can occur.
