ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY

Arthroscopic knee surgery is performed using spinal anesthesia, that is, with a needle inserted in the back so that the patient’s legs fall asleep, allowing surgery to be performed painlessly. This type of anesthesia allows the patient to go home on the same day.

• Once the anesthesia takes effect, small incisions, the size of a button hole, are made in the skin, through which the arthroscope and the appropriate instruments are inserted, allowing the surgeon access to the interior of the joint.
• An amplified view of the procedure is viewed by the surgeon on a television screen, allowing for accurate repair of ligament, meniscal and chondral injuries, synovial plica removal, etc.
• Once the procedure is completed, a bandage is applied (except in cases that require immobilization for any reason).

Although arthroscopy is a less invasive surgical method, it can only be performed by surgeons specialized in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery. Not surprisingly, during the course of any procedure, including arthroscopic ones, unforeseen events or the need to open the joint may arise if it is found that the problem cannot be resolved through the small incisions that arthroscopic surgery provide.

Surgical procedure duration varies depending on factors such as the type of injury being treated, its complexity, and individual characteristics of the patient. In the case of arthroscopic knee surgery, it usually ranges between 30 and 60 minutes.

• A careful recovery after arthroscopic knee surgery is key to optimal long-term recovery and to allowing the patient to return to their daily activities and participation in sports as soon as possible.
• It is recommended to follow a series of progressive recovery guidelines requiring strong involvement from the patient throughout recovery. Direct communication and multidisciplinary work are required between the orthopedic surgeon and traditional and sports physiotherapists.

• A patient is usually discharged the same day after arthroscopic knee surgery.
• Putting full or partial weight on your leg to walk is possible straightaway, with the help of canes or crutches, depending on the injury treated. Depending on the surgery, you may NOT be allowed to put all your weight on your leg.
• The period of immobilization with a compression bandage and crutches is usually not long, ranging from 7-10 days. During this time, it it is essential that the patient keep the operated leg elevated (that is, above the hip) and perform flex and extend ankle stretches.
• Among the care required in this period of immobilization is the use of painkillers and the treatment of inflammation with cold compresses. The cold helps reduce inflammation and prevents lymphatic disorders in the leg and ankle.
• It will be possible to start moving your knee a few days following surgery. Bandages are typically removed about 7 days following surgery with stitches removed approximately 10-15 days post-surgery.
• Full recovery time will depend on the type of injury in question, each having its own recovery times. For more information, consult our specific pages regarding your injury.

Arthroscopic surgery, despite being a minimally invasive procedure, is not free of complications, as is the case with other surgical techniques. Although incidences of complications are very small and occasional, some possibilities that may arise are:

• Infections
• Mild to Severe Thrombosis
• Excessive inflammation, bleeding and damage to small vessels and nerves near the operated area