Why operate through knee arthroscopy

Performing a technique of open surgery or a minimally invasive technique through arthroscopy depends basically on the type of surgery you have to make. If it is surgery to structures found outside the joint (lateral ligaments, capsules, etc.) or resection surgeries that require significant amounts of bone (prosthesis, osteotomy, etc.) we will make an open technique, least partially. In the case of surgery for treating intraarticular structures (menisci, cruciate ligaments, cartilage, synovium, etc.) in most cases we use arthroscopic techniques.

Arthroscopy for knee surgery

By using this technique, the vast majority are advantages, because by working through small holes that we made around the knee trauma we make to periarticular structures is minimal, and this affects obviously in pain and in the postoperative recovery, which is faster. As for the disadvantages, the main one being that not all surgeries can be made by this technique; another would be that the procedure requires higher learning curve.

Technique of arthroscopy

To perform an arthroscopic technique, orthopedists have to make a series of small holes around the knee (usually two at the front on both sides of the patellar tendon), through which we will introduce a camera for viewing and tools for each particular technique. During surgery working from outside the joint at all times watching what we do through a TV monitor.

It is a technique that respects the extraarticulate elements can be made with different types of anesthesia: general, locoregional (epidural) and Local intraarticular, depending on the anatomy and the procedure that we will perform.

Postoperative arthroscopy

Postoperative will depend on the type of surgery have made. If we only realized meniscus surgery, the patient can walk safely using 2 crutches from the outset, partially supporting leg and move freely pudiéndola. In other interventions, if acted on cartilage or some ligaments, both support mobility was partially limited.

Recovery after arthroscopy

The recovery time will depend on the type of surgery. If we talk about simple meniscus surgery, the patient can lead a normal life after 12-14 days, avoiding yes, the sport until 5 weeks

In other surgeries recovery may be slower, especially when it has acted on cartilage or ligament injuries, meniscal sutures, etc.

It is something that will have to be individualized for each patient.