Arthroscopic Knee Procedures

Arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the more common orthopedic surgeries performed in the United States today. Using advanced technology and minimally invasive procedures, surgeons can do complex procedures within the knee joint without causing undue trauma or stress to the body. In most cases, arthroscopic surgeries require only three small incisions.

Pre-Op

• Most arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. Some require an overnight stay, but in most cases the patient will be going home as soon as he has recovered from the anesthesia. The surgeon will go over the planned procedure with the patient, and the knee will be prepped. Any hair that needs to be removed will be shaved off by the medical staff. It is important that the patient not shave his own leg, as any cuts, nicks or scrapes could cancel the surgery. An IV will be started, sedation given and the patient taken to the operating room.

The surgery

• The surgeon will make an incision above the knee. An irrigation tool is inserted and sterile saline is used to flood the joint. A second incision is made, usually below or on one side of the knee, and a camera is inserted. A third incision is made and a working tool inserted. With these tools, the surgeon can perform everything from trimming cartilage, to drilling holes, to securing ligaments and bone. Surgeries can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours, depending on the complexity of the repair. The tools are removed, the saline flushed out, and the incisions stitched closed.

Immediately Post-Op

• Outpatients will remain in recovery until they are fully awake and can drink and go to the bathroom. Once these two criteria are met, they are sent home. If the patient is staying in the hospital, he will stay in recovery until his vitals are stable; then he will be moved to his room. Pain medication will be given either orally or intravenously. If the patient is going home, a prescription for pain medication will be sent with him. If he is hospitalized, the medicine will likely be given by IV for the first twelve hours.

Recovery

• The surgeon will write a prescription for physical therapy upon the patient's release from the surgery center. Within 24 hours of arthroscopic surgery, the patient will begin rehab to regain function of his quadriceps and to strengthen the knee muscles. Since the quad is the main stability muscle for the knee joint, it is imperative to get it strong as soon as possible.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception about arthroscopic surgery is that there will always be only the small incisions. When a doctor schedules a knee "scope," in most cases the patient will wake up with the three small incisions. But, in cases where more-extensive work is needed, the surgeon may need to go ahead and make a larger incision. This is called an open-knee surgery. Usually, if this is a possibility, the surgeon will discuss it going in. But it is important for patients to recognize that an arthroscopic surgery can turn into an open-knee surgery if the situation calls for it.