Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

knee arthroscopy procedure, is one of the medical procedures that can be used as a treatment for knee problems, as well as one of the diagnostic methods for the general condition of the knee joint. The following article provides a better understanding of knee arthroscopy and how it helps in diagnosing and treating diseases in the knee.

Knee Arthroscopy Procedure

“Whether you are suffering from knee inflammation or a torn cartilage, knee arthroscopy at Dr. Amr Amal’s clinics offers you the ideal solution.”

The knee arthroscopy procedure has many medical purposes that can help in accurately diagnosing the condition of the knee, providing the doctor with a detailed image from inside the knee. Through knee arthroscopy, it is possible to treat injuries, especially those related to the cartilage lining it.

Cartilage is a flexible structure found in the body’s joints, including the knee joint, which lines the joint, absorbs shocks, and reduces the pressure on the knee. Since it is subject to strong pressure due to bearing a significant part of the body weight, the knee cartilage has an important function in protecting the joint and bones.

Knee Arthroscopy for Treating Roughness

Knee arthroscopy is used to treat a number of diseases in the knee joint, including ligament tears, removal of damaged parts of the cartilage, and treatment of knee inflammation. One of the diseases for which doctors recommend knee arthroscopy is knee roughness.

Knee roughness is a disorder in the cartilage, resulting in wear and tear, causing the bone to come into contact and rub against each other, causing severe pain in the joint and making walking difficult. Roughness occurs due to a number of reasons, including joint inflammation, aging, among others. If you would like to learn more about knee roughness, its causes, and symptoms, we recommend reading the following article.

What are the Advantages of the Knee Arthroscopy Procedure?

There has been significant development in knee surgeries, primarily aimed at improving the patient’s condition and offering several advantages to help improve the patient’s situation. The advantages of knee arthroscopy include:

1. Providing the doctor with the possibility of using different types of anesthesia.
2. The ability to perform accurate examination and diagnosis of the knee condition.
3. No harm caused to the tissues surrounding the knee.
4. Reducing the chances of complications such as infection.
5. No pain felt after surgery.
6. Quick recovery after surgery.
7. The ability to return to normal activity after a short period.

What are the uses of arthroscopy in knee treatment?

Arthroscopy can be used to perform various surgeries on the knee, primarily aimed at identifying the damage sustained by the knee, whether in the joint or the cartilage wear, and determining the main cause of pain affecting the patient. Arthroscopy is used in the treatment of the following knee conditions:

1. The presence of a large amount of fluid around the joint.
2. Knee arthroscopy can be performed to treat roughness.
3. Damage or wear of the knee cartilage.
4. Presence of pain and stiffness in the knee joint.
5. The cartilage can be cleaned from bone or cartilage fragments.

Reasons for performing knee arthroscopy

Many doctors resort to knee arthroscopy if the joint does not respond to non-surgical procedures such as rest, taking medications, physical therapy, and injections that help reduce inflammation. Knee arthroscopy may be used in one of the following cases:

1. Repair or removal of knee joint cartilage.
2. Reconstructing a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament.
3. Using it to remove inflamed synovial tissue.
4. Working on trimming the damaged cartilage around the joint.
5. Removing loose parts in bones or cartilage.
6. Treating knee inflammation.
7. Treating patella problems, also known as kneecap issues.

Pre-operative steps for knee arthroscopy

Pre-operative procedures are basic steps that prepare the patient for surgery and help the patient understand their condition and the steps that will follow the surgery. These instructions include:

1. Abstaining from smoking for at least two weeks or more.
2. Using compression socks on the unaffected knee to prevent blood clots.
3. The treating doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the risk of infection.
4. Conducting blood tests and X-rays to determine the patient’s current health status.
5. Discussing current medications with the specialist doctor.
6. Determining the type of anesthesia suitable for the patient, usually partial anesthesia.
7. Fasting from food for 12 hours before the surgery if general anesthesia is used.

If you would like to learn more about knee arthroscopy and the pre-operative steps, we recommend this article.

How is knee arthroscopy performed?

“Rest assured about the knee arthroscopy procedure at Dr. Amr Amal’s clinics, where we ensure to provide personal care and high medical standards.

The knee arthroscopy procedure involves several steps that the patient undergoes in the operating room. This type of operation is referred to as a minimally invasive surgical procedure because it does not require a deep cut in the skin. Instead, the surgeon makes small incisions about 1 cm long.

The steps of knee arthroscopy are as follows:

1. The anesthetist injects the patient with the agreed-upon type of anesthesia.
2. The surgeon then makes small openings in the knee to insert the arthroscope.
3. A sterile substance is pumped in to provide a clearer detailed image of the joint.
4. The doctor inserts a thin tube through one of the holes, through which the arthroscope is inserted; this tube has a television camera and a light source at its end to clearly view the inside of the knee.
5. The doctor checks the condition of the cartilage through the arthroscope and inserts small tools to repair the injury.
6. After the surgery is complete, the sterile substance is drained from the knee, and the incisions are dressed.

How long does a knee arthroscopy procedure take?

“We understand the importance of improving the quality of your life. Rely on Dr. Amr Amal to perform a safe and successful knee arthroscopy procedure.”

A knee arthroscopy procedure requires no more than an hour in the operating room, after which the patient returns to the recovery room and may leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure or the following day, after thoroughly understanding what needs to be done during the recovery period.

Post-Knee Arthroscopy Instructions?

The period after knee arthroscopy requires several steps to be taken by the patient for complete recovery. The patient must follow certain instructions after the procedure, which help in speeding up the recovery process:

1. Use ice packs to reduce fluid accumulation around the knee and to improve swelling.
2. Elevate the leg above the level of the heart.
3. Adhere to taking prescribed medications, including pain relievers and aspirin, to prevent blood clots.
4. Take appropriate rest and avoid straining the knee.
5. Use crutches to reduce pressure on the knee.
6. Follow a specific diet plan for weight reduction.
7. Focus on physical therapy and exercise post-arthroscopy.
8. Regularly change the dressings around the wound.

Knee Exercises After Arthroscopy

Physical exercises help strengthen the muscles around the knee and the leg muscles, providing greater support to the knee and reducing the load on it. Here are some exercises that can be performed after knee arthroscopy:

1. Ankle Stretch: Lie on your back or sit on the bed with legs straight, and start moving the ankle forward and backward. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day.
2. Leg Raise: Lie on the ground with both knees bent, lift the affected knee while straightening the leg at a 45-degree angle for 5 seconds, and then return to the bent position. Repeat this exercise 5 times throughout the day.
3. Hamstring Contractions: Lie or sit with your knees bent at about 10 degrees, pull your heels down onto the floor, tighten the muscles in the back of the thigh, and hold for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
4. Partial Squats with a Chair: Hold a sturdy chair or table, stand 6-12 inches away, keep your back straight, and slowly bend your knees (not less than 90 degrees). Hold for 5-10 seconds, slowly return, relax, and repeat 10 times.
5. Terminal Knee Extension while Sitting: While sitting on a chair, support your heel on a raised object, straighten your knee, hold for 5 seconds, slowly return to the starting position, and repeat 10 times.
6. Walking: One of the best physical activities to be done in the intermediate stage of recovery, approximately two weeks post-surgery, and it yields effective results.

Knee Arthroscopy Success Rate

The success rate of knee cartilage surgery is high, reaching up to 90%. The success rate of this surgery depends on the prior preparation for the operation and choosing an expert doctor in knee arthroscopy. Also, it is essential to follow the medical instructions provided by the treating doctor until complete recovery. Regain your movement and vitality with the effective and safe knee arthroscopy procedure at Dr. Amr Amal’s clinics.

Side Effects of Knee Arthroscopy

Complications of knee arthroscopy are generally minor and affect only a small percentage of cases after surgery. The doctor works during the preoperative period to prepare the body well, aiming to minimize side effects and ensure a quick recovery period without serious complications.

Possible side effects of knee arthroscopy include:

1. Mild knee pain.
2. Discomfort when bending the knee.
3. Hearing a light clicking sound when moving the joint.
4. Numbness in the leg.
5. Stiffness in the knee joint.
6. Short-term complications such as swelling, stiffness, and bruising.
7. Occurrence of deep vein thrombosis, resulting in pain and swelling in the affected area.
8. Development of septic arthritis, an infection inside the joint, leading to fever and swelling in the knee.
9. Internal bleeding in the knee joint.
10. Accidental damage to nerves near the knee, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness, and occasionally loss of sensation.

Is Knee Arthroscopy Painful?

Generally, knee arthroscopy does not cause pain and has fewer negative effects on the patient compared to open surgeries. Additionally, knee arthroscopy offers several advantages, including a shorter recovery period and minimal damage to tissues, as it is a minimally invasive surgery. It also reduces the risk of postoperative complications.

Cost of Knee Arthroscopy in Egypt

The cost of knee arthroscopy is less than other types of knee surgeries, which is one of its many advantages. The price for knee arthroscopy in Egypt starts from 35,000 Egyptian pounds. However, the cost can vary due to several factors, including the procedures undergone by the patient before the operation and the surgeon’s expertise.

Book an appointment now with Dr. Amr Amal, a renowned orthopedic expert, and benefit from his extensive experience in diagnosing and treating knee problems. With his significant skills in this field, he provides comprehensive medical care before and after surgery.

Duration of Pain After Knee Arthroscopy

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Pain gradually begins to subside after knee arthroscopy, especially when the patient follows the instructions provided by the doctor after the surgery. Appropriate pain relievers can be taken during the recovery period to alleviate post-surgical pain, which may persist for the first week after the surgery.

When Can I Walk After Knee Arthroscopy?

It is advisable for the patient to wait about a week before starting to walk again after the surgery. The range of motion should be limited, and the patient should gradually increase both the distance and the time spent walking to avoid straining the knee. Over time, the condition of the knee improves, and the muscles strengthen. The ability to walk after surgery largely depends on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the medical procedure performed. Therefore, only the doctor can accurately determine the appropriate time for the patient to walk normally. Patients may need to use crutches, walkers, or any other aid recommended by the doctor while walking.

When Will the Wound Heal After Knee Arthroscopy?

The wound in knee arthroscopy is not a traditional incision but consists of small holes in the skin through which the arthroscope and surgical instruments are inserted. These are bandaged after the surgery and can be removed about 10 days later. Afterward, it is important to keep the wound dry until it fully heals.

Is It Possible for Knee Cartilage to Regrow?

Yes, it is possible for knee cartilage to regrow. However, this requires making some perforations in the cartilage to stimulate its growth. Collagen may also be used to improve and enhance the growth process.

Climbing Stairs After Knee Arthroscopy

Prepare for a quick recovery and a return to your routine activities after a successful knee arthroscopy surgery with Dr. Amr Amal.

Knee movement after knee arthroscopy is somewhat limited in the first week, but the ability to walk and slowly climb stairs improves gradually to avoid straining the knee. The patient may start with walking before attempting to climb stairs, as it puts more strain on the knee.

Who is the Best Doctor for Knee Arthroscopy?

If you are looking to achieve an excellent outcome from a knee arthroscopy, you need a skilled and proficient doctor. Today, we recommend Dr. Amr Amal, one of the best orthopedic and joint surgery doctors in Egypt. He serves as a consultant for orthopedic and joint surgery at Ain Shams University and is also a faculty member there. Additionally, he has worked as a fellow in orthopedic surgery at the Aachen Hospital in Germany. Dr. Amr is renowned for his friendly approach to patient care.

He enjoys widespread popularity and is beloved by all his patients who appreciate his constant dedication to their wellbeing and his commitment to choosing the best solutions to alleviate their pain. Dr. Amr is dedicated to adopting the latest therapeutic methods and modern techniques that ensure a high success rate and minimal complications.

Dr. Amr strives to provide the best medical care for his patients, focusing on their comfort, cleanliness, sterilization, and adherence to various quality standards. His medical clinic is well-equipped with the latest technology and is located in the Dar Al Fouad Medical Tower in Nasr City, on the fourth floor, office 418.