Knee Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure allowing me to examine and treat problems inside your knee joint. This video explains when arthroscopy may be recommended; what happens during the procedure; and recovery expectations. Arthroscopy can be diagnostic or therapeutic and may be recommended if you have: restricted flexion or extension; instability; unexplained swelling; small cartilage defects; or if an MRI scan shows a treatable issue, if no major arthritis is found. Arthroscopy for pain alone is usually not helpful - it might even make arthritis worse. During arthroscopy - a camera and specialised instruments are placed into your knee through small incisions. The procedure allows me to perform the operation whilst viewing a monitor. Damaged structures can be removed, repaired, or replaced. To keep the area blood-free, a tourniquet is applied to your thigh, carrying a small risk of developing venous blood clots. Saline is inserted into the knee throughout the procedure, to improve visibility and distend the knee for better access. Operations last between twenty minutes and one-and-a-half hours - Local anaesthetic is injected into the knee and incisions, for post-operative pain control. Arthroscopy can be performed under general or regional anaesthesia and most procedures are day cases. Before discharge, you must mobilise safely and manage stairs appropriately. Following discharge - physiotherapy will be arranged as appropriate and, depending on the procedure performed, there may be some weight-bearing restrictions. After surgery, there will be skin dressings which are covered by wool and a crepe bandage. Bandages can be reduced after twenty-four to forty-eight hours. However, the skin dressing is to remain undisturbed until review by your GP surgery at two weeks, when stitches are removed. Dressings can tolerate you having a shower but not soaking in a bath. You can drive once your knee pain has settled sufficiently to perform an emergency stop safely. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks but this may be extended for more invasive procedures. Arthroscopy is safe, but complications including infection, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, ligament and tendon injury and wound problems can occur. The procedure may not be curative and the findings will be discussed with you prior to discharge. Your first check-up with me is at four to six weeks post surgery, but you're free to contact me if there are any concerns in the interim. To discuss whether arthroscopy is appropriate for you, please contact my secretary.