Overview:
Bone mineral density test or simply a Bone density test is used in determining the amount of minerals especially the calcium in your bones. This determination usually helps the doctor to determine whether you are at risk of osteoporosis or not. Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases that usually leads to thinning or weakening of bones making them prone to fractures. This disease is commonly seen in women and older adults.
In medical science, knee arthroscopy plays a vital role in treating many conditions of the knee. It can sometimes replace open Knee surgery, which is a much more painful recovery.
What Is Knee Arthroscopy?
In Knee Arthroscopy, your surgeon will make a small incision and insert a small camera known as an Arthroscope that is used to look inside the knee joint. This enables the surgeon to investigate the problems of the knee and also allows to correct the issue using small instruments such as Arthroscope.
This Knee Arthroscopy technique helps treat various knee problems like misaligned patella(knee cap), torn meniscus, torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments, knee joint fracture, loose cartilage in the joints, swollen synovium, and to repair the ligaments of your knee joints, etc. This procedure treats osteoarthritis too.
Who Performs a Knee Arthroscopy?
An Orthopaedic surgeon performs the Knee arthroscopy. However, not all Orthopaedic surgeons perform this minimally-invasive surgery. Some orthopaedic surgeons post their MS, further opt for a super specialisation like a Fellowship in Arthroscopy to be trained in this procedure. So, it’s best to choose surgeons who are well-versed in this technique.
When Should I Opt for Knee Arthroscopy?
Your Orthopaedic surgeon may recommend you to undergo Knee Arthroscopy surgery, if you are having any pain in the knee joints. It is to identify the root cause of the pain and/or sometimes to treat the defective tissues. An Arthroscopy procedure not only helps diagnose the condition responsible for pain,it sometimes helps find a diagnosis. Your doctor may rule out all other nonsurgical treatment options before suggesting Arthroscopy as a way forward.
This minimally-invasive surgery is better than other open knee surgeries. Also, the recovery rate is much more as compared to the traditional cases.
What Conditions Can be Treated Through Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic procedures can treat a number of knee injuries like:
- Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- Torn Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
- Meniscus tears
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Treatment of patella (knee cap) problems
- Treatment of knee sepsis (infection)
What Should I Do Before Surgery?
Check your surgeon's availability before opting for a Knee Arthroscopy procedure. Your orthopaedic surgeon will inform you how to prepare for surgery. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications like aspirin and clopidogrel because they are needed to be discontinued a few days before surgery. Do tell your surgeon if you are taking any supplements or any other over-the-counter medication beforehand.
Your surgeon may instruct you not to eat and drink anything for six to twelve hours before surgery. You are not allowed to drive back to your home after the surgery. If you are staying alone, make sure someone stays with you for the rest of the day. Wear loose clothes so that you can change easily after the surgery.
The surgery may last for an hour depending on the treatment you are getting to improve your condition. Ensure to check what painkillers are required after the procedure and fill them ahead of time or check with the pharmacy if they have the availability of the drug. Do check if your insurance covers the procedure and if the hospital has tie-ups with your insurance partner for a cashless hospitalization.
What Happens On the Day of Surgery?
On the day of surgery, once you are wheeled into the OT, the OT staff will do all the vitals check. An anaesthetist will give you an anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain.
- There are three types of anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia- will not make you unconscious, but only numbs your knee area.
- Spinal anaesthesia – will numb you from waist down
- General anaesthesia- will put you to sleep completely
If you choose to stay awake during the procedure, you may be able to watch the procedure on the monitor.
What Happens During Knee Arthroscopy Surgery?
The surgery will start with your orthopaedic surgeon making small minor cuts on both the sides of your knees. Surgeons may also use saline water to dilate the region for better visibility with the arthroscope. Then with these minor cuts, the arthroscope will be inserted through one hole and the surgeon will be able to see the picture of your affected knee area using the attached camera. The images produced by the camera can be seen by the surgeon on a monitor in the operating room.
Once the surgeon identifies the problem, they may insert a small tool to correct the issues. Post successful treatment of the issue, the surgeon will remove excess saline water from your joint. After draining out excess saline, the incision region is closed with two-three stitches. The arthroscopic treatment of the knee is much less painful as compared to open knee procedures.
What are the Risk Factors with a Knee Arthroscopy?
As with any surgery, knee arthroscopy also comes with few risks, although they are rare.
Some of risks that may occur are:
Every knee problem is unique and the recovery varies from person to person.
Breathing problems or allergic reaction because of anaesthesia
Infection and/or heavy bleeding may also occur inside the joint.
A blood clot may be formed inside the knee joint
Damage or injury to ligaments, cartilage, meniscus, blood vessels or nerves of knee
What Steps Should I Follow Post-Surgery?
Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive key-hole procedure. Normally, after Knee Arthroscopy, you will be taken to the recovery room for a few hours, before you are discharged from the hospital. At the hospital, your designated hospital staff will provide you painkillers as per your doctor’s prescription. Any minor swelling or pain will reduce in two-three days of time.
Your recovery process may include:
Following Medication: Taking proper medication that may include pain relief, and anti-inflammatory, as prescribed by the doctor, is the best course to attain faster recovery.
Remedies to Reduce Swelling: You can use an ice pack to reduce swelling and also need a proper dressing on your knee area. Check with your doctor how often you would need a dressing change. You may also use support or crutches initially.
Close-up Of A Woman Applying Cool Gel Pack On Her Knee
Physiotherapy & Exercises: Your surgeon may advise a few at-home exercises that will help your knee recover. Sometimes he/she may suggest a physiotherapist who will help you use your knee normally with at-home exercises. These exercises are extremely important to help restore full range of knee motion and to further strengthen your muscles.
Post surgery once you are at home, if you develop fever, redness, swelling, intense pain in your knee area, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion:
Knee Arthroscopy is one of the most sought after and advanced knee procedures because of its ease of recovery and less painful approach. Knee Arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure to tackle problems of the knee joint.
If you have any knee-related problems, you can always reach out Click here to email me or Whatsapp me at +91- 9113025188.