Doctors for Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to diagnose and treat various knee problems. It is also known as minimal access joint surgery as it involves making small incisions in the knee to insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope and other surgical instruments. The arthroscope helps the surgeon to visualize the inside of the knee joint and diagnose any issues without the need for a large incision. During knee arthroscopy, the surgeon can repair or remove damaged tissues in the knee, such as torn cartilage or ligaments. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the process typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and the patient may get either local or general anesthesia. The majority of patients can return home the same day as their operation, and recovery is frequently quicker than with more conventional open orthopedic surgery.

A minimally invasive surgical technique known as knee arthroscopy is frequently used to identify and treat a variety of knee issues. There are different types of knee arthroscopy procedures, and they depend on the specific condition or injury that needs to be addressed. Our orthopedic doctors specialize in performing various types of knee arthroscopy surgeries such as;

• Diagnostic Knee Arthroscopy: This type of arthroscopy is performed to diagnose knee problems that may not be visible on an X-ray or MRI. A tiny camera is put into the knee joint during the surgery to look at the internal tissues.
• Meniscus Repair: A C-shaped piece of cartilage called the meniscus serves as a stress absorber between the thigh bone and the shinbone. Common knee injuries include meniscus tears, which can result in discomfort, edema, and restricted motion. Surgical tools are used to sew the meniscus's torn sections back together during meniscus repair.
• Meniscectomy: In cases where the meniscus is too damaged to be repaired, a partial or total meniscectomy may be performed. This involves using surgical instruments to remove the damaged parts of the meniscus.
• ACL reconstruction: An ACL ligament injury is treated surgically with ACL reconstruction. The ACL is a crucial part of the knee joint that provides stability, and a tear can cause pain, swelling, and instability. A graft is applied during surgery to replace the torn ligament.
• Lateral release or patella realignment surgery: This procedure is performed to treat kneecap dislocation. It involves releasing the tight ligaments on the outer side of the knee to help realign the patella and improve joint movement.
• Synovectomy: The knee joint's synovial membrane will be removed during this treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis and other illnesses that induce joint inflammation are frequently treated with it.
• PCL reconstruction: PCL reconstruction surgery is performed for a tear in the PCL ligament. The PCL is a less common injury than the ACL, but it can cause pain and instability if left untreated. A graft is applied during surgery to replace the torn ligament.
• Microfracture: This procedure is performed to stimulate the growth of cartilage to replace damaged tissue. The surgeon will make small holes in the bone to encourage the formation of new cartilage, which will help to reduce pain and improve joint function.
• Cartilage transfer/OATS: During cartilage transfer surgery, healthy cartilage from other parts of the body is moved to the damaged parts of the joint to improve joint movement. This can involve using a technique called OATS (osteochondral autograft transplantation system), which involves taking small plugs of cartilage and bone from another part of the knee and transplanting them to the damaged area.

By choosing the right procedure and performing it with care, orthopedic surgeons can help patients recover from knee injuries and get back to their normal activities as quickly as possible. These procedures are less invasive, have faster recovery times, and cause less operative injury to the surrounding tissues compared to traditional open orthopedic surgery.

Before undergoing knee arthroscopy in India, a proper diagnosis of the knee condition is essential to determine if the surgery is necessary. Here's an overview of the diagnosis and tests that may be done before knee arthroscopy;

• Physical Examination: The orthopedic surgeon will conduct a physical examination of the knee to evaluate the range of motion, swelling, and stability of the joint. Also, they might look for any injury-related symptoms like bruising or discomfort.
• Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests may be done to get a better look at the inside of the knee joint. These tests include X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. These tests can help to identify the exact location and extent of the damage or injury to the knee.
• Blood Tests: Before surgery, blood tests may be performed to check for any underlying medical issues or to assess the patient's general health.
• Arthrocentesis: The doctor may occasionally carry out an additional procedure termed arthrocentesis. To do this, a needle must be inserted into the knee joint to draw a tiny amount of fluid. The presence of an infection or inflammation in the joint is then determined by sending the fluid to a lab for investigation.
• Medical History: A thorough medical history of the patient will also be obtained by the orthopedic physician. This includes details regarding any prior accidents, operations, or illnesses that might affect the procedure or the healing process.

Knee arthroscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine and treat knee joint problems with minimal incisions and faster recovery times. The following is a detailed explanation of the step-by-step process involved in performing a knee arthroscopy;

• Anesthesia Administration: On the day of the surgery, the surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery. Knee arthroscopy can be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia, and the choice of anesthesia will depend on the patient's medical history, age, and other factors.
• Preparation in the Operating Room: After the anesthesia is administered, the patient will be moved to the operating room, where the surgical team will prep the area around the knee. This includes cleaning and sterilizing the knee with an antiseptic solution and draping the leg to maintain a sterile environment.
• Creation of Incisions: Around the knee joint, the surgeon will make a number of small incisions. These incisions are called portals and are usually less than half an inch long.
• Insertion of Arthroscope: Next, the surgeon will insert an arthroscope into one of the portals. The arthroscope is a small, flexible tube with an end-mounted camera and light source. Without creating a major incision, it enables the surgeon to view into the knee joint.
• Filling the Knee with Sterile Solution: To enlarge the knee joint and increase visibility, the surgeon will fill it with a sterile fluid.
• Surgical Procedure: Once the surgeon has a clear view of the knee joint, they will use specialized surgical instruments to diagnose and treat the problem. The instruments are inserted through other portals. During the surgery, the surgeon may remove damaged tissue, repair cartilage or ligaments, or perform other procedures to improve the health of the knee.
• Closure of Incisions: After the surgery, the surgeon will remove the instruments and close the portals with stitches or small adhesive strips. The patient will be brought to a recovery room for observation after the incisions are bandaged.
• Postoperative Recovery: After knee arthroscopy, most patients can go home the same day. However, the surgeon may recommend a period of rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the leg to help reduce swelling and pain. To assist the patient in regaining strength and range of motion in the knee joint, physical treatment may also be suggested.

Due to its many advantages, knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical treatment, is becoming more and more popular in India. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of knee arthroscopy in India;

• Smaller incisions: Knee arthroscopy requires only a few small incisions that are less than half an inch in size. Comparatively speaking to open knee surgery, this results in reduced blood loss and scarring.
• More accurate diagnosis: Knee arthroscopy provides the surgeon with a clear and accurate view of the internal structures of the knee joint. This allows for a more precise diagnosis of the problem and a better understanding of the severity of the condition.
• Shorter surgery time: A minimally invasive technique that takes less time in the operating room is knee arthroscopy. As a result, the duration of the patient's anesthesia is shortened, lowering the likelihood of problems.
• Less postoperative pain and inflammation: Knee arthroscopy causes less trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the knee joint, resulting in less postoperative pain and inflammation.
• Minimal trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the surgical site: The surgical instruments used in knee arthroscopy are designed to minimize damage to the soft tissues surrounding the knee joint. As a result, there is less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
• Quicker recovery time: . Less recuperation time is needed after knee arthroscopy because it is a minimally invasive operation. Compared to conventional knee surgery, patients can resume their routine activities sooner.
• Minimal scarring: Scarring is minimized after knee arthroscopy because there are only a few tiny incisions needed.
• Fewer chances of postoperative complications: The minimally invasive nature of knee arthroscopy results in fewer postoperative complications, such as infection and blood clots.

Knee arthroscopy is a highly beneficial and safe operation. Several patients in India who are looking for relief from knee pain and other knee-related issues are increasingly starting to favor it.

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that is generally risk-free and safe. However there are possible risks and adverse effects, just like with any surgical operation. Following are some potential negative effects and issues related to knee arthroscopy;

• Infection
• Hemorrhage with accumulation of blood in the knee
• Blood clot formation
• Stiffness of the knee joint
• Injury to the soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves, etc., surrounding the operative site
• Unidentified bruising or swelling close to the surgical site

It's crucial to remember that severe issues are uncommon and only happen in 1% of cases. Additionally, your doctor will take necessary precautions to minimize these risks, such as prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection and using compression stockings to prevent blood clot formation.

After knee arthroscopy surgery, proper postoperative care is essential for a smooth and quick recovery. Here are some steps you can take to help with your recovery;

• Follow your doctor's instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding postoperative care. To guarantee the best possible recovery, it is crucial to meticulously adhere to following recommendations.
• Rest and elevate your leg: Resting your leg is crucial for proper healing. Elevating your leg can also help minimize swelling, particularly in the first few days following surgery.
• Use ice packs: Pain and swelling at the surgery site might be diminished by placing ice packs there. Make sure to adhere to your doctor's recommendations for how frequently and how long to use ice packs.
• Take medication as prescribed: To assist you manage postoperative pain, your doctor might prescribe painkillers. Make sure to take your medication as directed and let your doctor know if you have any unfavorable side effects.
• Perform physical therapy exercises: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy exercises to help improve knee mobility and strength. Regularly carrying out these exercises as directed by your physical therapist is crucial.
• Avoid strenuous activities: During the recovery period, it is important to avoid activities that could potentially damage the surgical site or impede the healing process. When you can resume your regular activities, your surgeon will give you detailed instructions.
• Attend follow-up appointments: In order to track your recovery and make sure your knee is healing properly, your surgeon will set up follow-up sessions. It is important to attend these appointments as scheduled and notify your surgeon if you have any concerns or issues.

After a knee arthroscopy, healing can generally take several weeks to several months. You may aid in ensuring a quick and successful recovery by adhering to your doctor's recommendations and implementing the appropriate postoperative care steps.