Arthroscopy is the procedure in which the examination and treatment of the damage of the interior part of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of camera that is inserted into the joint through a small incision that enables the surgeon a view of the joint area on a video monitor. A second incision is made for the insertion of small surgical instruments that are used both to diagnose and to perform what is needed during the operation—removing damaged tissue, suturing and other repairs. Arthroscopy can be used to treat a range of problems, including osteoarthritis, tears, joint injuries, and inflammatory or non-inflammatory conditions.

Why Arthroscopy is done

Arthroscopy is done to diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions, most commonly those affecting the:Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Ankle, Hip, Wrist. Diagnosing joint injuries begins with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. Additional tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may be needed.

How to Prepare

1. Your doctor or surgeon will advise you how to prepare for your surgery. Kindly inform the doctor about any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements that you are currently taking. You may need to stop taking certain medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for weeks or days before the procedure.

2. You must also refrain from eating or drinking for six to 12 hours before the surgery. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you a pain medication for any discomfort you experience after the surgery.

3. Some doctors prescribe pain medication in advance. A person should fill this prescription before the surgery so that they will be prepared for recovery.

What Happens During a Knee Arthroscopy?

Your doctor will give you an anesthesia before your knee arthroscopy. This may be local (numbs your knee only), regional (numbs you from the waist down), general (puts you completely to sleep).

In some cases you may be able to watch the procedure on a monitor. The surgeon will begin by making a few small incisions in your knee. Saline, will then pump in to expand your knee. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see inside the joint. The arthroscope enters one of the cuts and the surgeon will look around in your joint using the attached camera. The surgeon can see the images produced by the camera on the monitor in the operating room.

When the surgeon locates the problem in your knee, they may then insert small tools into the incisions to correct the issue. After the surgery, the surgeon drains the saline from your joint and closes your cuts with stitches.

How is arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopic surgery, although much easier in terms of recovery than "open" surgery, still requires the use of anesthetics and the special equipment in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical suite. You will be given a general, spinal, or a local anesthesia, depending on the joint or suspected problem.

A small incision (about the size of a buttonhole) will be made to insert the arthroscope. Several other incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or insert other instruments.

When indicated, corrective surgery is performed with specially designed instruments that are inserted into the joint through accessory incisions. Initially, arthroscopy was simply a diagnostic tool for planning standard open surgery. With development of better instrumentation and surgical techniques, many conditions can be treated arthroscopically. For instance, most meniscal tears in the knee can be treated successfully with arthroscopic surgery.

What are the Risks Associated with a Knee Arthroscopy?

There are risks associated with any type of surgery like excessive bleeding during the procedure, Infection at the site of the surgery, breathing difficulties caused by anesthesia, allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during surgery

Risks associated with knee arthroscopy, are:

1. bleeding inside the knee joint

2. formation of a blood clot in the leg

3. infection inside the joint

4. stiffness in the knee

5. injury or damage to the cartilage, ligaments, meniscus, blood vessels, or nerves of the knee

What is recovery after a Knee Arthroscopy?

This surgery isn’t very invasive. For most people, the procedure takes less than an hour depending on the specific procedure. You will likely go home on the same day for recovery. You should use an ice pack on your knee and a dressing. The ice will help reduce swelling and minimize your pain.

At home, you should have someone to look after you, at least for the first day. Try to keep your leg elevated and put ice on it for a day or two to reduce swelling and pain. You’ll also need to change your dressing regularly according to the advice of doctor.You will probably need to see your surgeon for a follow-up appointment a few days after the procedure.

Your doctor will give you an exercise regimen to follow at home to help your knee recover, or will recommend a physiotherapist to see until you are able to use your knee normally. The exercises are necessary to help restore your full range of motion and to strengthen your muscles. With the proper care, you will recover quickly.