Knee arthroscopy for arthritis

Hip and Knee surgery in Cardiff CardiffHipandKnee.com

Arthroscopy of the knee is a relatively simple procedure which is done through key hole surgery. In this procedure, two or three small cuts (less than 1 cm size) are made and instruments are introduced into the knee to assess the condition of the articular cartilage (lining of the knee joint surface), and other structures inside the joint. In addition to visualisation, certain treatment procedures can be undertaken through key hole surgery techniques.

Aim of surgery

Arthroscopy of the knee is both diagnostic as well as therapeutic. The diagnostic indication is to gather more information about the knee, which is in addition to information obtained from clinical examination, radiographs and MR (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans.

The treatment procdures in patients with osteoarthtiris include dealing with chondral flaps (flaps of articular cartilage in the knee), meniscal tear - repair or excision, microfracture, chondrocyte implantation, realignment procedures, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies and ligament reconstructions.

An example of the view obtained at knee arthroscopy. In this instance, there was a bucket handle tear of one of the cartilages inside the knee

Who is it for

Arthroscopy is beneficial in patients with early osteoarthritis, where symtoms are mild or intermittent. Patients with advanced disease are unlikely to benefit from this procedure.

What does it involve

Knee arthroscopy is done under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. Usual duration of surgery is 20 to 30 minutes and most patients are able to go home on the day of surgery. No stitches are required and the small incisions of surgery heal up in 7 to 10 days.

Care after surgery

Depending on the extent of procedure, recovery varies from 1 to 3 weeks. Some patients having microfracture technique may need to be on crutches for 4 to 6 weeks.

Risks of knee arthroscopy

The arthroscopic procedure done for arthritis of the knee is, by and large, associated with minimal risk of
complications.

1. Infection is a possibility, but the risk is extremely low, and routine use of antibiotics at the time of surgery is unnecessary.

2. There may be some swelling in the knee following surgery which may last for few days to few weeks.

3. Some individuals may experience discomfort and stiffness following surgery, but this is temporary.

4. There is a small risk of a blood clot in the veins of the leg. The risk of this is quite low, and medications to thin the blood are not used, exept in high risk patients. Early mobilisation and activity after surgery helps circulation and reduces the risk of having a blood clot.

5. Excess wear and tear in the knee can not be adequately addressed by key hole surgery and these individuals are unlikely to have a sustained benefit from this procedure. In these circumstances, knee replacement may be eventually needed.

Arthroscopy of the knee for arthritis is a simple procedure, which, in the right patient provide good pain relief and improvement in function.

If you have further questions, please use the ‘contact and feedback’ link to tell me about your query, and I will be delighted to respond to any comments, questions or concerns.