Knee Arthroscopy: Used To Diagnose & Treat Knee Problems
A Knee Arthroscopy is a form of surgical technique that can be used to diagnose and treat problems that affect the knee joint. The procedure involves a small incision in the knee and the insertion of a very small camera known as an arthroscope. This camera allows the surgeon to observe the inner parts of the joint on a screen. It can help the surgeon to investigate a problem that has affected the knee and also carry out small corrections with the help of small instruments present within the arthroscope. A knee arthroscopy procedure can be used for diagnosing different types of knee problems like a misaligned patella or a torn meniscus. It can also be used for repairing ligaments present in the joint.
The good thing about a knee arthroscopy procedure is that it involves very few technical risks and the prognosis is usually good for a majority of patients. The overall time taken for recovery and the prognosis in general is going to depend on the intensity of the specific knee problem. The intricacy of the surgical procedure also has an important role to play in determining its outcome. Currently there are many surgeons in London that can carry out this procedure. They may advise you to opt for a knee arthroscopy procedure if you have been experiencing knee pain for some time. The results of the diagnosis can also indicate that a knee arthroscopy procedure might be best for you. The good thing about knee arthroscopy is that it helps to both diagnose as well as treat a knee problem.
There are a number of conditions that can be treated with a knee arthroscopy procedure.
Some of them are listed below in brief.
- Torn meniscus
- Swollen synovium
- Elimination of Baker’s cyst
- Fractures in knee bones
- An out of position patella
- Torn posterior or anterior cruciate ligaments
- Torn cartilage pieces that are present loose within the joint
Your surgeon or doctor is going to advise on how you can prepare for a knee arthroscopy surgery. You should inform your doctors about any over-the-counter medications, supplements or prescriptions that you have been taking. The doctor will tell you to refrain from taking some medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin for days or weeks prior to the procedure. Additionally, you should not eat or drink for about 6 to 12 hours prior to the surgery. The doctor may also recommend you take certain medications before the surgery itself.
Before actually performing the knee arthroscopy surgery, the surgeon will give you an anesthetic, which can be local, regional or general. The surgeon is then going to make some small cuts or incisions and pump salt water to expand the area. Based on the visuals that are obtained from your knee, the surgeon is going to perform all the corrective measures that are required for your particular case. Finally, after these steps have been taken care of, the surgeon is going to stitch the area back.
