Indication
- To diagnose various conditions inside the knee.
- To treat meniscal conditions (cartilage), by trimming or suturing procedures.
- To treat other painful knee conditions (removal of loose bodies and others).
What is an Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy literally means “looking into joints” using a telescopic instrument. The most common joint to be arthroscoped is the knee joint.
Arthroscopy knee surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the procedure, or for some patients, epidural or spinal anaesthesia is preferable. This will completely block the feeling in your legs but you stay awake.
The procedure is usually done as a day-case.
What are the benefits of having an arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy allows the surgeon to inspect the joint by making a small cut through which a telescopic instrument is passed. This is less than the size of a “biro” enabling a clear view. Removal of torn pieces of cartilage or fragments of bone which have broken off can be achieved by arthrosopic procedures. Arthroscopy has been particularly useful for sports injuries of the knee and in dealing with tears of the medial or lateral cartilages.
Home Discharge
- The physiotherapist will advise you on aspects of your day to day activities following discharge.
- You will be reviewed in 4-6 weeks following the surgery.
When will I be able to return to work and resume day to day activates?
- Be prepared to take at least up to 2 weeks off work.
- You should not drive a car for at least one week or until you are able to perform an emergency stop.
- If the meniscus is repaired the recovery period can extend from 6 – 8 weeks.
