Arthroscopic Knee Cartilage Surgery

There are many medical procedures followed in the event of a knee injury, including arthroscopy of the knee cartilage, which explains its special information, the importance of the cartilage operation, how to perform it, pre-and post-operative instructions, and other instructions related to the knee cartilage arthroscopy in the following article.

Arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery

Arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery is one of the medical procedures that help improve the condition of the knee patient, and it is considered one of the medical procedures that increase the person’s ability to move better and improve his ability to return to normal activities or start exercising.

Knee arthroscopy is one of the surgeries that improve the performance of the knee. It is considered a safe procedure that gives more than one advantage to the patient, including a near recovery. An open wound is not performed like other surgeries, but the doctor is satisfied with small holes that can help the patient to recover faster without the complications of regular surgeries.

When is arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery performed?

Cartilage reconstruction in the knee is performed arthroscopically when the patient is exposed to an injury that affects the function of the knee, and the attending physician begins to make the necessary diagnosis before the operation, which helps to determine the patient’s condition and the extent of damage to the cartilage, and through this, they determine the most appropriate surgery and how to perform it, and the injuries that need for an arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery operation include:

  • A tear in the knee cartilage.
  • A cruciate ligament rupture.

Steps before arthroscopy of the knee cartilage 

There are some instructions that the doctor follows with the patient in the preoperative period, which are:

  1. The doctor should know your medical condition and the medications you are taking.
  2. The doctor may order an x-ray to see the current condition of the cartilage.
  3. Giving the patient anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce complications after surgery.
  4. About 6 hours before the operation, you must stop eating.

Arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery procedures 

There are steps in the arthroscopy of the knee, which are:

  • The doctor starts giving the necessary anesthesia and it is local.
  • The surgeon starts by making small holes in the knee.
  • It begins by inserting the endoscope from one of the knee openings.
  • The doctor begins to accurately determine the condition of the cartilage.
  • The remaining small surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings.
  • Surgery is performed on the knee cartilage and sterilization of the wound.
  • The doctor places bandages over the holes.

Instructions after arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery 

The attending physician explains to the patient some medical procedures that must be taken care of in the postoperative period, namely:

  • Keep the knee in a relaxed position as much as possible.
  • Not loading the knee and using crutches.
  • Using ice packs to reduce swelling in the knee.
  • Attention to changing bandages continuously.
  • Do appropriate exercise after surgery.
  • Interest in medical follow-up after surgery.

Duration of pain after arthroscopic knee cartilage surgery

The pain after the endoscopic cartilage surgery can continue for about several weeks after the surgery and begins to disappear gradually. Paying attention to the medical instructions after the surgery gives the possibility to reduce the recovery period and improve the person’s condition in a period of 2 to 3 months. The attending physician should be consulted before starting any violent physical activity.

How long does knee arthroscopy take?

Knee arthroscopy is considered a relatively safe procedure and one of its advantages is its short duration, that is, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour at most, and the person can stay in the hospital for a day in order for the medical examination procedures to be completed and to be assured of the safety of the surgery and the improvement of the patient’s condition before discharge from the hospital.

Side effects of knee arthroscopy

Cartilage surgery in the knee can cause some complications, including:

  • Having difficulty breathing.
  • Infection.
  • Having a stiff knee.
  • The nerve near the cartilage was injured.

When can I walk after knee arthroscopy?

It is important for the injured person to continue to take a break and not walk for a week after the surgery, and then start walking lightly for a short period with the use of crutches so as not to put pressure on the injured knee and expose the patient to complications, and it is preferable for the person to start exercising for cartilage patients within two weeks after the surgery.