Alternative Names diagnostic knee arthroscopy, arthroscopic knee exploration
Definition Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat knee injuries. The surgeon examines the knee with an instrument called an arthroscope. An arthroscope, a pencil-sized tube with a light and camera attached to the end of it, is inserted into a cut in the knee. An image of the inside of the knee is then seen on a television screen. The surgeon is able to see the entire knee joint, which may allow him or her to repair certain injuries.
Who is a candidate for the procedure? Knee arthroscopy is used to diagnose the cause of pain, swelling, tenderness, or weakness in a person's knee. It may be recommended for a person with:
a torn knee cartilage
a damaged knee cap
a damaged ligament
an inflamed or damaged lining of the joint
How is the procedure performed? Knee arthroscopy is usually done in a day surgery centre. This means the person can go home the same day as the procedure.
This procedure is done using general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. Then, several small incisions are made in the knee. The surgeon inserts the arthroscope through one of the incisions. Other instruments are inserted through separate incisions. The surgeon can see the ligaments, the cartilage, knee cap, and the lining of the joint. This allows him or her to perform surgery to correct any damage. The small incisions will be closed with stitches or small, sticky pieces of special tape.
What happens right after the procedure? After the procedure, the person is taken to a surgery recovery room. Mild discomfort may be felt, and this can be relieved with pain medication. The person can begin taking fluids if no nausea is present. The affected knee will be elevated on a pillow, and an ice pack will be applied to decrease the swelling. The person can usually go home within a few hours.
What happens later at home? Recovery time depends on what is found during the procedure and what was done. Most people go home the same day as their surgery. Crutches may be needed for a while to take weight and pressure off the knee joint. The leg should be kept elevated and ice applied for the first 24 to 48 hours. Activity is increased according to the amount of pain and swelling present in the knee. Pain can be managed with analgesia. Sometimes physiotherapy is needed after knee arthroscopy if extensive repair was done.
What are the potential complications after the procedure? There are potential problems with any surgery or anaesthesia. This includes infection, bleeding, and reaction to the medication used. Nerve injury, causing numbness around the small incisions, may also occur.
Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
