Arthroscopy of the Knee Information for Patients
Indications
The symptoms of an acute injury to the knee that may be amenable to arthroscopic treatment would be swelling, pain, locking (the inability to fully straighten the knee) and giving way of the knee. Further evaluation of an injured knee would include x-rays to exclude any bony injury or arthritis. An MRI scan shows not only the bones, but also the soft tissues such as the ligaments and the menisci. This investigation may be necessary in fully evaluating the state of the knee joint before arthroscopy is considered.
Operation
This is normally performed as a day case procedure. The aim is to alleviate the symptoms from the affected knee. The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia and two or three small stab incisions are made around the knee to allow the introduction of a telescope and a probe into the knee joint.
The inside of the knee joint is then visualised on a TV monitor and the state of the knee can be shown to the patient following surgery by providing them with photographs of the inside of the knee joint. Wherever possible any damage such a torn meniscus (cartilage) or a loose bony body can be removed through this procedure.
Recovery
A recovery period of a few days to two weeks is often the time required and rigorous physical activities are to be avoided for at least six weeks, depending upon the state of the knee joint.
During the recovery period, specific post-arthroscopy exercises are recommended for several weeks to strengthen the knee.
“takes a great deal of skill and experience … through an incision barely large enough to allow a mouse to crawl through … a source of wonder”