ARTHROSCOPY

What is Arthroscopy ?
Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is an innovative surgical procedure in which the knee joint is viewed by inserting a tube(which is attached with a small camera) into the knee that is called arthroscope,that contains optical fibers and lenses, through tiny incisions in the skin into the joint to be examined. Knee arthroscopy gives a view of what’s inside the knee joint and allows knee surgeon to diagnose any problems.The arthroscope is connected to a video camera and the interior of the joint is seen on a television monitor. The size of the arthroscope varies with the size of the joint being examine.
If procedures are performed along with examining the joint with the arthroscope, this is called arthroscopic surgery.There are lots of procedures that are performed in this way. If a procedure can be done arthroscopically rather than traditional surgical techniques, it usually reduces tissue trauma, may result in less pain, and may promote a faster recovery.
For what diseases or conditions is arthroscopy performed:-
- Torn floating cartilage (meniscus)
- The cartilage is trimmed to a stable rim or occasionally repaired Torn surface (articular) cartilage
- Removal of loose bodies (cartilage or bone that has broken off) and cysts
- Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Patello-femoral (knee-cap) disorders
- Diagnostic knee purposes
Arthroscopy can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of many noninflammatory, inflammatory,
and infectious types of arthritis as well as various injuries within the joint.Noninflammatory degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, can be seen using the arthroscope as
frayed and irregular cartilage. A new procedure for the treatment of younger patients with an isolated
injury to the cartilage covering the bone ends within a joint uses a "paste" of the patient's own cartilage cells.
The cells are harvested and grown in the laboratory and are then reimplanted at a later date in the knee with the use of an arthroscope.
In inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, some patients with isolated chronic joint swelling can sometimes benefit by arthroscopic removal of the inflamed joint tissue (synovectomy). The tissue lining the joint (synovium) can be biopsied and examined under a microscope to determine the cause of the inflammation and discover infections, such as tuberculosis. Arthroscopy can provide more information in situations which cannot be diagnosed by simply aspirating (withdrawing fluid with a needle) and analyzing the joint fluid.
Common knee joint injuries for which arthroscopy is considered includes :-
- cartilage tears (meniscus tears),
- ligament strains and tears, and
- cartilage deterioration underneath the kneecap (patella).

Finally, loose tissues, such as chips of bone or cartilage, or foreign objects, such as plant thorns or needles, which become lodged within the joint can be removed with arthroscopy.
What is done in Arthroscopic surgery?
Most knee arthroscopy procedures are done on an outpatient basis and can be performed under local,
regional or general anesthesia. During the procedure the orthopedic surgeon will make very small incisions in the knee and fill the knee joint with a sterile water solution, allowing for a clear view of the knee.The surgeon will then insert the arthroscope and begin to look for any signs of injury or degeneration.
Once such areas have been identified, the surgeon may remove or repair bone or cartilage, or reconstruct a torn ligament.When the procedure is over, the surgeon will close the incision. The entire procedure may last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
How long is the recovery time after arthroscopy?
Although patients are up and walking just hours after surgery, it typically takes 2-3 weeks after knee
arthroscopy to return fully to daily activities and it can take three months or longer for athletes to return to sports.
For several days after arthroscopy, patients will commonly be asked to rest and elevate the joint while
applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. After surgery, an exercise program is gradually started that strengthens the muscles surrounding the joint and prevents scarring (contracture) of surrounding soft tissues.
The goal of the exercise is to recover stability, range of motion, and strength of the joint rapidly and safely, while preventing the build-up of scar tissue. This program is an essential part of the recovery process for an optimum outcome of this procedure.
Over the years, higher quality fiberoptic equipment has allowed the development of miniature arthroscopes. This has allowed the examination of smaller joints with arthroscopy. Arthroscopy has become an integral tool for orthopaedic surgery and its role will continue to expand as further improvement in arthroscopes and arthroscopicinstruments continues.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery FAQ’s :-
Q: What are the possible complications can be face by the patient of knee arthroscopy?
A: Complications are uncommon, but possible. Infections are the most common complication but
can be prevented with antibiotics. Other complications are blood clots, excessive swelling or bleeding, and damage to blood vessels or nerves. Such complications occur in less than 1 percent of all arthroscopic procedures.
Q: Is bleeding after arthroscopic knee surgery normal?
A: Mild bleeding through the incision areas is normal. The area must be kept dry and covered, and
reinforced with sterile gauze. If bleeding persists, contact your doctor.
Q: How pain can be manage after knee arthroscopy?
A: Patients are prescribed pain relieving and/or anti-inflammatory medications.Patients may also use
over-the-counter pain relief medications in place of prescribed medications for mild pain.
Q: Will I need physiotherapy after arthroscopic knee surgery?
A: Physiotherapy is important after surgery in order to regain range of motion. Patients may work
with a physiotherapist to regain a full and active range of motion.































