ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY – PERTH
Knee Arthroscope – A patient’s guide:
Dr Arash Taheri
MBBS (Hons), BMedSci (Hons), FRACS (Orth)
Orthopaedic Surgeon
What is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery allows Dr Taheri to see inside your knee joint. This process can greatly assist in the diagnosis and treatment of problems inside your knee.
An arthroscope is a tiny camera that is inserted into your knee joint during surgery. The arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin and use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision required for open surgery.
Arthroscopic knee surgery allows Dr Taheri to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues.
Arthroscopic knee surgery results in less pain for patients, less joint stiffness, and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to normal activities.
The camera displays the inside of the knee joint pictures on a video monitor, and Dr Taheri uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments to help identify, diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.
Why have Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Dr Taheri may recommend a knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment.
Nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.
A knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.
Arthroscopic knee surgery may help with:
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
- Treatment of knee sepsis (infection)
Recovery from Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Recovery times may vary from patient to patient for a number of reasons including age, current heath, muscle and bone strength and commitment to rehabilitation amongst many other factors.
Surgery – The surgery itself usually takes under 30 minutes.
Post-surgery – It’s day surgery so you will be observed for a couple of hours to ensure that you have recovered from the anaesthetic and discharged from hospital.
A friend or family member will need to pick you up from the hospital and stay with you on the night of your surgery. You will probably feel a bit sleepy and might need some pain killers.
You will be given instructions on:
- How to look after your wound
- Warning signs to look out for
- Wound care and dressings
Physiotherapy recovery program – You will see a physiotherapist and be prescribed a rehabilitation program after your surgery. Prior to discharge you will be given exercise instructions and practice on how to best perform daily activities including climbing stairs, getting into and out of cars etc.
Hospital stay length – In most cases it’s day surgery. It may be longer depending on your individual circumstances.
Movement after surgery – Moving around with crutches is recommended for the first two weeks for comfort, safety and confidence. The crutches can be discarded as soon as you are confident to do so.
Will I need time off work – Depending on occupation you may require 1-2 weeks off work and return to light duties. You can be driven in a car as a passenger immediately on discharge from hospital.
Driving – Patients may be able to drive a car no earlier than 2 weeks after surgery (it is best to be cleared by your doctor before doing so).
Patients MUST be able to perform an Emergency Stop and short car trips only are recommended initially. The decision to drive after surgery remains the responsibility of the patient.
Air travel – Air travel may be undertaken soon after you are cleared by your surgeon.
What Activities can I Return to After Rehabilitation?
What activities can you perform after arthroscopic knee surgery – Once recovered and rehabilitated, there are very few restrictions on activity after arthroscopic knee surgery. You can participate in activities such as walking, cycling, skiing and tennis.
Running and impact sports – High impact pursuits such as running should not be performed for 2 months after surgery. Your suitability for returning to running activities depends on the nature and intensity of the sport you are undertaking.
Some activities may place the knee joint at risk (for example extremes of joint flexion and rotation in some advanced yoga postures) – if you are unsure please check with us prior to recommencing your desired activity.
Knee monitoring – Monitoring how your knee performs overtime is essential to your rehabilitation program. Follow up appointments will be scheduled in soon after surgery.
What are the Risks of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery risks – Arthroscopic knee surgery is very safe, and serious complications are uncommon.
Serious wound infection occurs in less than 1% of patients.
As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages of surgery outweigh the potential disadvantages.
It is important that you are informed of these risks before the surgery takes place. Complications can be medical (general) or local complications specific to the knee. Medical complications include those of the anaesthetic and your general well being. Almost any medical condition can occur so this list is not complete.
Complications that may include:
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Blood loss requiring transfusion – Low risk of disease transmission
- Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, pneumonia and bladder infections
- Complications such as infection or nerve damage
- Serious medical problems can lead to ongoing health concerns, prolonged hospitalisation or rarely death
Risk of Infection – Infection can occur with any operation. In the hip this can be superficial or deep. Infection rates are approximately 1 percent. If it occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics but may require further surgery. Very rarely your hip may need to be removed to eradicate the infection.
Blood Clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis) – These may travel to the lung (Pulmonary embolism) and can occasionally be serious and even life threatening. If you get pain or shortness of breath at any stage, you should notify your surgeon.
Fractures or Breaks in the Bone – Fractures or breaks can occur during surgery or afterwards if you fall. To repair these, you may require surgery.
Wound Irritation or Breakdown – The operation may cut some skin nerves, so you will inevitably have some numbness and potential aching around the wound. This will not affect the function of your knee. Vitamin E cream and massaging can help reduce this. Occasionally, you can get reactions to the sutures or a wound breakdown that may require antibiotics or rarely, further surgery.
Damage to Nerves and Blood Vessels – Rarely these can be damaged at the time of surgery. If recognised they are repaired but a second operation may be required. Nerve damage can cause a loss of feeling or movement and can be permanent.
Pain relief – You will be given pain relief during your stay and either medication or prescriptions to go home with to keep you comfortable. Paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory (if tolerated) are the mainstays for pain relief.
Discuss your concerns thoroughly with Dr Taheri prior to surgery.