Arthroscopy is an advanced technique that allows a Plaza orthopedic surgeon to explore the inside of your knee joint, using a pencil-size instrument called an arthroscope. The device contains a miniature, high-resolution video camera.

Inserted into the knee through a “keyhole” incision, the arthroscope transmits real-time video of the interior of the joint to a nearby television monitor. At the same time, your surgeon can insert surgical instruments through other small incisions in the knee, in order to remove or repair any damaged tissue the video images reveal to him.

Is Arthroscopy for You?

Signs that you may be a candidate for an arthroscopic knee procedure include swelling and persistent pain, as well as “catching” and “giving way” when the knee is in motion. Ligament injuries (ACL tear) are another common region for arthroscopic knee repair. The case for arthroscopy becomes even stronger if these symptoms are not improved through the use of knee supports, physical therapy and standard medications.

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Preparing for Surgery

If, after being evaluated by your Plaza orthopedic surgeon, you decide to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on your knee, you may also be asked to get a complete physical examination from your primary-care physician. This will provide a snapshot of your overall health and rule out any conditions that may interfere with your procedure.

Be sure to tell your Plaza orthopedic surgeon about any medications, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies you may be taking. He will tell you whether you should stop taking any of them prior to your procedure.

Diagnostic tests, perhaps involving blood draws, may be ordered by your Plaza surgeon to help in planning your procedure.

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Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee

For patients who are in good health apart from their knee problem, almost all arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Usually, you will be asked to arrive at Plaza an hour or two prior to your procedure. The initial step in the process will be an evaluation by a member of Plaza’s anesthesia team. Arthroscopy can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia. More information about each type can be found here. The anesthesiologist will help you determine which is best for you.

At the outset of the procedure itself, your Plaza orthopedic surgeon will make a few small incisions in your knee. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid, providing a clear view of the joint’s interior.

Your surgeon will then insert the arthroscope, using the video images transmitted by the device to assist knee repair. If surgical treatment is needed, there are a variety of instruments the surgeon can utilize through other keyhole incisions. The surgeon will take pictures of the knee joint to document his findings.

At the conclusion of the procedure, your surgeon will close the incisions and cover them with a bandage. From start to finish, the entire process usually lasts no more than 90 minutes - sometimes considerably less (20 to 45 minutes on average).

Afterward, you will be moved to a recovery room. Most arthroscopy patients are ready to go home within a few hours. You should have someone with you to drive you home.

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Your Recovery at Home

Recovery from an arthroscopic procedure is usually faster and easier than recovery from traditional “open” surgery. However, it is still very important, in the first few days you’re back home, to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions with regard to

• Elevating your leg and applying ice to relieve swelling and pain,
• Keeping your incisions clean and dry,
• Use of oral medications to prevent infection and relieve pain,
• Use of gait-assistive devices such as a cane or crutches until you regain strength in your knee.

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Reasonable Expectations After Arthroscopic Surgery

Although arthroscopic procedures can be used to treat a variety of problems, you may still face some long-term limitations on your activity. The outcome of your own procedure will be determined to a considerable degree by the severity of the injury or damage your surgeon finds.

Appropriate physical exercise and rehabilitation will also go a long way toward determining your final outcome. However, intense physical activity should only be undertaken in consultation with your surgeon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

“What are the ages of the patients most likely to undergo an arthroscopic knee procedure?”

Most arthroscopies are performed on patients between 20 and 50 years of age. However, patients under 20 and older than 80 have also been treated with knee arthroscopy procedures.

“What tests need to be done in order to assess a candidate for arthroscopy?”

A patient must be examined and X-rays need to be done to evaluate the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be necessary to provide additional information about the soft tissues of the knee. Plaza Medical Center has a “state of the art” imaging center for MRI evaluation. On rare occasions, your doctor may order blood tests to determine if you have hereditary arthritis.

“How long does it take to get back to the previous level of activity after an arthroscopic knee procedure?”

In six to eight weeks you should be able to resume most of the activities you’re accustomed to engaging in - as long as they do not involve a significant amount of weight-bearing. Twisting maneuvers may have to be avoided for a longer time. If your job involves a lot of lifting and carrying - as it would if you were in one of the construction trades, for example - you may need more time before returning to work than you would if you had a desk job. Most patients are able to walk the day of surgery, and to resume driving in three to seven days.

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