Arthroscopy, minimally invasive technique for knee injuries
Written by:Arthroscopic knee surgery is a surgery in which the inside of the joint is examined in order to make a diagnosis and provide treatment.
It is done by inserting a small camera through small incisions in the skin, to reach the joint to examine. The camera is called arthroscope is a small tube containing only a few millimeters optical fibers and lenses. The arthroscope is connected to a video camera, allowing you to see the joint on a monitor. Also, through other small incisions, surgical instruments used to repair the injury are introduced: meniscus, cartilage, ligaments ...
Arthroscopy was popularized in the seventies and today is a very widespread technique. It is performed on an outpatient basis and usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the complexity of the injury, so that the patient can usually go home after the procedure on the same day, and walking.
The advantage of the procedure instead of using arthroscopically traditional technique is that the patient's tissues suffer little and, as a result, is less painful and has a faster recovery.
Type of treatable lesions with knee arthroscopy
It is advisable to use this technique to repair injuries that affect the structures found inside the knee menisci, ligaments (anterior and posterior cruciate), cartilage, synovial membrane, among others.
Possible complications of knee arthroscopy
Possible complications of any surgery could be a reaction to anesthesia, infection of the surgical wound, excessive bleeding or blood clots in a vein in the leg. However, possible complications of arthroscopy include:• Accidental damage in the knee joint• Infections• Loss of skin sensation in the knee• Bleeding into the joint• Surgery failed or needs to be performed again
Results knee arthroscopy
After this intervention remain inflamed knee during the first days, with mild discomfort. But the improvement is usually rapid. The results are often very favorable compared to other techniques, due to the minimal aggression to which it is subjected to the tissues.
Postoperative knee arthroscopy
Following knee arthroscopy operation, if the patient needed it, you may indicate pain medication, so it might take painkillers. In addition, general anesthesia temporarily affects coordination and reasoning skills, so you should not drive, drink alcohol ... for the next 24 hours.
After surgery the patient will wear a bandage for a few days. This apply pressure and help improve its evolution. You need to keep the knee clean and dry for one to two weeks. It is recommended not to wet the wounds until they have healed.
Postoperatively it is important to continue with those recommended by the physical therapist, as they will help the patient to improve the movement and strength of the knee.
Moreover, it is necessary to try to keep the leg elevated when resting. hematomas It is also recommended to put ice wrapped in a towel to reduce inflammation and. Do not apply ice directly on the skin, as this may cause damage.
The recovery time will depend knee treatment the surgeon and orthopedist performed. Normally the patient can resume normal activities after between 38 weeks, depending on the severity of knee problems and the level of física.Hasta condition not end this period and the knee has recovered some agility should not be performed activities such as driving.
Edited by Patricia Crespo Pujante
