When Is Arthroscopy Of The Knee Recommended?

Arthroscopy of the knee is recommended by a knee specialist to treat conditions, including torn floating cartilage, patello-femoral (knee-cap) disorders, removal of broken bone or cartilage and cysts, washout of infected knees, and reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate ligament.

How to Prepare For a Knee Arthroscopy?

After the doctor has diagnosed the knee problem by conducting physical examination (an MRI scan or X-ray), Arthroscopic Knee procedure may be recommended. The knee surgeon would give you complete explanations on how to prepare yourself for the knee arthroscopy.

The knee surgeon may ask you to abstain from smoking as it may increase the risk of getting a wound or chest infection besides slowing down the knee recovery process. The surgeon would ask you to stop aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs at least five days before the surgery and you would be asked to remain fasted for at least six hours before the arthroscopic knee procedure.

Day of Knee Arthroscopy

On the day of knee arthroscopy, the surgeon would have a word with you on the entire process so that you have a clear picture of what would happen and ask you to sign the consent form. After this, you would be asked to wear a compression stocking on the unaffected leg for inhibiting formation of blood clots in the veins in the legs and/or take an injection of heparin, an anti-clotting medicine.

The entire process of Arthroscopy of the Knee would generally be performed in approximately 30-45 minutes as a day case under general anaesthesia (or local or regional anaesthesia, as deemed fit by the knee surgeon) and your total stay in the hospital would be for around four hours. It is highly recommended that you avoid bumping or knocking the knee area immediately after the procedure.

Post-Operative Recovery

After arthroscopy of the Knee is performed, the knee specialist may remove the bandage after 24 hours and apply waterproof dressing. It is very important for you to note that you should drive only after 24 hours, if the knee is comfortable and the Knee Specialist has provided his consent for you to take on driving. It is highly recommended that you follow post-operative exercises and physiotherapy as prescribed by the knee surgeon to speed up your recovery. You would be asked to visit the medical facility again for a follow-up appointment to monitor the progress and removal of the knee stitches.

How to Search the Best Knee Specialist?

It is highly recommended that you trust only a reputed and experienced knee surgeon and provide all details about the knee problem(s) so that necessary plans can be developed on time. For this, you may search online for "Knee Surgeon Manchester" so that you can access details about the best knee specialist. A Knee Surgeon Manchester would help you with every single detail about knee arthroscopy so that all your doubts and concerns are addressed before arthroscopy of the knee.

We hope that this information on arthroscopy of the knee helped you to gain a clear and complete understanding about the treatment procedure.

Author's Bio: 

Jack Oliver is a content writer and currently provides informative articles related to Patello Femoral Surgeon, Arthroscopy of The Knee, Knee Specialist, ACL Surgeon, ACL Reconstruction and Orthopaedic Surgeon, for helping others in finding the best service providers.