knee arthroscopy in Tunisia
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows diagnosis and treatment of knee joint problems. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a very small incision and insert a tiny camera - called an arthroscope - into your knee. This allows them to visualize the inside of the joint on a screen. The surgeon can then investigate a problem with the knee and, if necessary, correct the problem using small instruments inside the arthroscope.
Arthroscopy diagnoses several knee problems, such as a torn meniscus or a misaligned kneecap (patella). It can also repair the ligaments of the joint. There are limited risks to the procedure and the outlook is good for most patients. Your recovery time and prognosis will depend on the severity of the knee problem and the complexity of the required procedure.
Why do I need knee arthroscopy?
Your doctor may recommend that you undergo knee arthroscopy if you are experiencing knee pain. Your doctor may have already diagnosed the condition causing your pain, or they may request arthroscopy to help find a diagnosis. In either case, arthroscopy is a useful way for doctors to confirm the source of knee pain and treat the problem. Arthroscopic surgery can diagnose and treat knee injuries, including:
Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
Torn meniscus (the cartilage between the knee bones)
Misaligned kneecap
Pieces of torn cartilage that are loose in the joint
Removal of a Baker's cyst
Fractures of the knee bones
Swollen synovium (the lining in the joint)
How do I prepare for knee arthroscopy?
Your doctor or surgeon will advise you on preparing for your surgery. Be sure to tell them about any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you are currently taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for weeks or days before the procedure.
You should also refrain from eating or drinking for six to 12 hours before surgery. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller for any discomfort you experience after surgery. You should fill this prescription in advance so you have it ready after the procedure.
What happens during knee arthroscopy?
The surgeon will administer anesthesia before your knee arthroscopy. This can be:
Local (numbs your knee only)
Regional (numbs you from the waist down)
General (puts you completely to sleep)
If you are awake, you may be able to watch the procedure on a monitor. The surgeon will begin by making a few small incisions or cuts in your knee. Sterile salt water, or saline solution, will then be pumped in to expand your knee. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see inside the joint. The arthroscope enters through one of the cuts and the surgeon will look around inside your joint using the attached camera. The surgeon can see the images produced by the camera on the operating room monitor. When the surgeon locates the problem in your knee, they can then insert small tools into the incisions to correct the problem. After surgery, the surgeon drains the saline solution from your joint and closes your cuts with stitches.
What are the risks associated with knee arthroscopy?
There are risks associated with any type of surgery, although they are rare. Each surgery carries the following risks:
Excessive bleeding during the procedure
Infection at the surgery site
Breathing difficulties caused by anesthesia
Allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during surgery
There are also specific risks to knee arthroscopy, such as:
Bleeding inside the knee joint
Formation of a blood clot in the leg
Infection inside the joint
Knee stiffness
Injury or damage to the cartilage, ligaments, meniscus, blood vessels, or nerves of the knee
Recovery after knee arthroscopy?
This surgery is not very invasive. For most people, the procedure takes less than an hour depending on the specific procedure. You will likely go home the same day to recover. You should use an ice pack on your knee and a bandage. The ice will help reduce swelling and minimize your pain.
At home, someone should take care of you, at least for the first day. Try to keep your leg elevated and apply ice to it for a day or two to reduce swelling and pain. You will also need to change your bandage. Your doctor or surgeon will tell you when to do these things and for how long. You will probably need to see your surgeon for a follow-up appointment a few days after the procedure.
Your doctor will give you an exercise program to follow at home to help your knee recover, or recommend a physical therapist to see until you can use your knee normally. Exercises are necessary to help restore your full range of motion and strengthen your muscles. With proper care, your outlook after this procedure is excellent.