| Q:
What is knee arthroscopy?
A:
This operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia.
The surgeon makes two small cuts on each side of the
knee cap and inserts a small camera into the knee joint.
The knee is filled up with fluid and the surgeon can
inspect the knee joint and insert small instruments
into the knee.
Q:
When is knee arthroscopy needed?
A:
Most injuries to the cartilage or meniscus of the knee
can be treated with knee arthroscopy. Initially, the
surgeon will evaluate the patient and make a diagnosis.
Often an MRI scan is needed before the operation.
The
operation is performed as a day case procedure and does
not take longer than thirty minutes.
Q:
What happens after the operation?
A:
The surgeon fills the knee up with local anaesthetic,
which provides excellent pain relief after the operation.
The patient can go home after the operation. Paracetamol
and Ibuprofen are usually enough to provide good pain
relief during the first few days. The patient can start
moving the knee immediately after the operation but
is advised to rest it for the first 24-48 hours.
Q:
How long is the recovery after a knee arthroscopy?
A:
Depending on what the surgeon did during the operation,
this can be days or weeks but is usually between two
and three weeks.
Q:
What are the complications after knee arthroscopy?
A:
There are risks related to the anaesthetic but also
surgical complications such as infection, swelling,
bleeding and numbness of the skin around the cuts. In
general, the complications rate is very low. |
