Arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a procedure on the knee when a small camera is inserted to allow the surgeon to see. The advantage of this surgery is that the operation can be performed through small stab incisions(<1cm), rather than long arthrotomy incisions (generally >10cm). By doing surgery arthroscopically your recovery time and pain is less, and operative risks are reduced. The knee is able to be examined in greater detail, and throughout the entire knee, something that cannot be done with conventional surgery.

Procedures that can typically be treated arthroscopically include

Meniscal tears
Chondral lesions/ Ostechondritis dessicans
Removal of loose bodies
Washout of inflamed or infected joints
Synovectomies
Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Knee arthroscopy is performed as a day case procedure. It is performed under a light general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic, with the patient being able to go home later the same day. You are able to walk on your operated leg as tolerated, but you will be supplied with crutches if needed. You will be encouraged to rest at home for the first three days after your operation, and to ice your knee regularly. Ice will help control your swelling, control your pain, and improve your recovery. After three days, your compression bandage can be removed, leaving the underlying waterproof dressings intact until reviewed by Mr Richardson- typically two weeks post-operatively. While the wounds from surgery are usually well healed by two weeks, tissue healing within the knee may continue for 4-6 weeks, depending on the surgery undertaken.

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