Knee Joint Arthroscopy - FAQs

1. Knee arthroscopy fundamentals

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. This minor surgical procedure is done using an instrument called an arthroscope. While the knee is the joint most often viewed and operated using the arthroscope, other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist can also be viewed using this instrument.

2. What are causes of the knee pain?

Injuries, overuse, weakness or aging can harm your knees and cause pain and discomfort.

3. What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is an effective tool in diagnosing your joint condition and for confirming treatment for knee problems such as meniscus tears and cartilage wear. An arthroscopy can ultimately provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility. Maintaining a normal and active lifestyle with greater comfort is a key benefit of this procedure.

4. What are the risks of knee arthroscopy? Is the treatment safe?

While knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure for the treatment of knee injuries, there are some risks that patients should be aware of. Depending on the patient and joint condition, these risks may include swelling and stiffness of the joint, bleeding, blood clots, infection, or continuing knee problems.

5. How do I prepare for arthroscopic knee surgery?

There are many things that you can do to prepare for knee arthroscopy. Prior to your surgery, you will have a physical examination and will also be given a written prescription for pain medication. It is important that you complete all of your testing and appointments prior to surgery, including bloodwork, X-rays, MRI, ECG and anesthesia clearance. Surgery may be postponed if clearance for these tests is not obtained. If you develop any health changes prior to knee arthroscopy, such as cold, fever, infection, rash or wound, you should contact your surgeon’s office prior to surgery.

To prepare for the day of surgery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you the first night after surgery. You should also bring loose-fitting shorts or non-constricting pants (warm-up style) that will fit over your dressing after surgery.

6. What should I do the night before knee arthroscopy?

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
You will be informed by your doctor’s assistant, nurse or secretary at the Clinic as to what time your surgery is scheduled, either the day before surgery .

7. What happens during surgery?

The arthroscope has a light source and a camera. During knee arthroscopy, the surgeon shines a light into the joint, and with the help of the camera, an image of the knee joint is then viewed on a TV monitor. By seeing the knee joint through the arthroscope, the surgeon does not need to make a large incision. Sterile fluid can be used to expand the joint, which increases visibility in the joint area and makes it easier for the surgeon to work.

The surgeon administers a local anesthetic during surgery to numb the area being examined. A regional (spinal) or general anesthetic will be used for better pain control during surgery. The regional anesthetic is the preferred anesthesia method. Then, several small incisions (at least two incisions approximately half an inch long) are made in the knee. An arthroscope is inserted, and the surgeon looks inside the knee. Other instruments may be used during surgery to cut, shave, remove particles in the joint, or repair tissue.

9. What happens after surgery?

Knee arthroscopy surgery lasts for approximately one hour. Following surgery, once patients are comfortable, able to walk on crutches, able to take fluids orally, and able to urinate, they will be discharged to go home in the care of a responsible adult. In the majority of cases, patients are discharged from the hospital to go home on the same day of surgery.

After surgery, a dressing will be applied to the knee, wrapped with an Ace bandage, which will help protect the knee and minimize swelling and pain. An ice pack will be applied to the knee, which will also help prevent swelling and pain. Patients should leave the bandage in place until their physical therapy appointment two days after surgery. You will also be given pain medication after surgery to reduce the knee pain. Do not attempt to drive or attend work or school while taking pain medication.

When resting, make sure to elevate your knee higher than your heart level on two or three pillows with your back flat on the bed. This will also aid in preventing swelling of the knee joint after surgery. Also, make sure to use crutches to walk. They will protect your knee from undo stress until it is fully rehabilitated. Your physical therapist will recommend any other special knee equipment that you’ll need to use following surgery.

10. How long is the recovery period after knee arthroscopy?

The recovery period after knee arthroscopy surgery depends on the patient and his or her condition. For most cases, patients can return to office work within a week. And many return to a more active and normal lifestyle within one month.

11. What is the rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy?

A patient’s physical therapy program after knee arthroscopy can be divided into three phases: regaining control of the leg muscles and weaning from crutches, regaining full knee motion and strength and returning to normal activity. The following exercises are designed to optimize patients’ recovery for these phases. The timeline for the phases depends on the specific patient and his or her physical condition and progress following surgery.

12. How can I manage at home during recovery after knee arthoscopy?

Once patients are comfortable, able to walk, able to take fluids orally, and able to urinate, they will be discharged to go home. Patients are usually able to go home from the hospital on the day of surgery. To reduce pain and swelling, make sure to elevate your leg while at home, and for the first several days (48 hours), ice the knee for 20 to 30 minutes a few times per day to minimize pain and swelling. On discharge, patients will receive a prescription for pain medication. Patients should not drive or operate dangerous equipment while taking prescription pain medication.

Patients are able to shower when they receive the confirmation that it is okay to do so from their doctor. Patients may be asked to cover their leg with plastic to avoid wetting the bandage and incisions, which increases the chance of infection. Patients may drive a car as soon as they have good control and mobility of the knee. When patients can comfortably put full weight on their leg, and have good muscular control, they may discard their crutches if any.

If patients develop a fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or increasing amounts of pain not relieved by rest, ice or pain medication, they should contact the doctor’s clinic.

13. How frequently should I schedule follow up appointments with my doctor following knee arthroscopy?

Patients will schedule a follow up appointment with their surgeon nine days following their knee surgery. Additional appointments may be scheduled based on the patient’s individual condition and recovery.