Orthopedic Knee Surgery

KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IMPLANT FIXATION METHODS

There are four ligaments that will ensure the knee joint works correctly. Their job is to assist hold the bones in place. When the knee is sound then they are very effective. However, when a knee joint deteriorates, say due to joint disease, damage and scarring can develop to these ligaments. The objective of knee replacement surgery is to replace some or all of these ligaments and also the surfaces of the knee joint by synthetic components or prostheses. These prostheses need help to stay in place and two types of implant fixation techniques can be used – cemented or cementless.  With both methods knee rehabilitation exercises to help speed up recovery are important.

CEMENTLESS FIXATION METHOD

Cementless fixation was first unveiled in the 1980’s and entails making use of implants whose surfaces are attractive to new bone growth so that they would attach to the bone without using any kind of cement or adhesive. In other words the new bone grows into the specially coated surface of the implant. Cementless implants do require using screws to aid the stability of the implant until the new bone grows sufficiently to provide adequate support. Because it is essential to wait for the new bone to grow into the implant and because of the use of the supporting screws, recovery time is more lengthy than if using a cemented fixation technique. Even though this procedure has proved as effective as cemented fixation in many cases, it has not solved the problems a result of bone reduction and wear in the implant (see below).

CEMENTED FIXATION METHOD

The most common method these days is cemented fixation in which a polymethylmethacrylate cement, a special fast curing bone cement, is used to hold them in place. Knee replacements performed using this method have had excellent outcomes with an expected life of 15 to 20 years. In the other method, cementless fixation, the actual bone is encouraged to actually grow into the surface of the implant.  Bone reduction and wear of the implant is also an issue with this method.  Nonetheless, despite these issues, which are rare but not unknown, cemented fixation has turned out to be to be a most reliable technique in total knee replacement in most cases including in young patients who have an energetic lifestyle and where joint disease was relatively advanced.

ISSUES

How long a knee replacement lasts and how well it functions are determined by the overall health and weight of the recipient as well as the amount of use the knee joint gets and the stresses placed on it by this use. Weight management is very important in reducing wear and in lessening the risk of other conditions.

When orthopedic knee replacement surgery is carried out, the harder bone at the top of the tibia or shinbone is removed. The softer more porous bone that is left must absorb the stresses that your knee joint is put under, which under normal use can be considerable. If these stresses are greater than this bone is capable of absorbing then the metal alloy components of the prosthesis can loosen. Over a period of time, these kinds of excessive loads may well cause the prosthesis to sink into the softer bone tissue or loosen its adhesion to the bone.

Loosening of the prosthesis and sometimes bone reduction can be a result of the polyethylene layer between the metal components wearing unevenly. This may be caused by an uneven gait where by the knee is subjected to uneven loads leading one side of the knee implant to push into the bone whilst the other side lifts off from the bone. This uneven wear may also cause tiny particles of the polyethylene layer to rub off. This “debris” may cause the body to set off a biological reaction that could cause further movement of the knee implant. Bone loss may also be a direct result this. What happens then is that the surrounding cells absorb these minute particles. The body’s immune system senses this and attempts to eliminate them by triggering an inflammatory response. This response may also cause osteolysis, a condition where the cells essentially take away some of the bone from around the prosthesis. As wear increases so does the bone loss and the weakened bone causes the implant to loosen more.

CONCLUSION

It seems that both methods are successful in total knee replacement surgery. Having said that, the use of cementless implants has only been relatively recent and so long term comparisons of the two methods are unavailable but in the short term, it would seem that the success rates are comparable.

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Arthroscopic knee surgery was first performed in the US in 1968.  It has since proved to be one of the most important surgical procedures in orthopedics of the 20th century and, with major advances in surgical techniques and materials, has become very highly effective.  In the US there are over three hundred thousand knee operations performed annually generally with impressive results.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is knee joint replacement surgery.  Basically there are two types of arthroscopic knee procedures:

• Total joint arthroplasty where both sides (shinbone and femur) of the knee joint are replaced and

• Hemiarthroplasty or partial knee replacement in which only one side of the knee joint is replaced.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint.  This prosthesis is made from surgical grade plastics and metal alloys and is designed to work in the same way as bone and cartilage does and to behave in the same way as a healthy joint.

In this surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased parts of the bones that make up the knee joint.  In a healthy knee joint the surfaces of these bones rub together using cartilage to act as the buffer between them.  In total knee replacement surgery the surgeon will remove the damaged surfaces of the three bones that rub together (the kneecap or patella, the thighbone or femur and the shinbone or tibia) and replace them the plastic or metal prostheses.  .  The surgery usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.

The components used in knee joint replacement surgery are designed to match the original bones that they replace.  The section of the femur or thighbone that is replaced is made of rounded metal alloy that is designed to closely match the curve of the natural femur.  A very smooth long wearing polyethylene plastic is used to replace the surface of the shinbone and act as knee cartilage.  This same material is used to replace the cartilage on the back of the kneecap.

The ultimate aim of this surgery is to replace the painful surfaces of the knee joint with new surfaces made from artificial materials.  The knee joint is then no longer painful and mobility is increased.  An added benefit is that joint deformities can sometimes also be corrected at the same time.

Knee surgery recovery is relatively quick and knee joint rehabilitation commences almost immediately after the orthopedic knee surgery.  Walking with the aid of crutches or a walker and knee physical therapy usually start within 24 hours of the operation and can take several weeks.  Generally many normal activities like climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs can be attempted within a few days.  Knee replacement exercises are an important part of rehabilitation.

Orthopedic knee replacement surgery has a success rate of up to 95% with most knee implants functioning well for many years after surgery.  Most knee implants should last for about 15 years with moderate levels of activity.  However, continual strenuous activity can reduce the life of the knee implant.

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic knee surgery, knee cartilage, knee joint replacement surgery, knee operation, knee physical, knee replacement exercises, Knee Surgery Recovery, orthopedic surgeon, total knee replacement surgery

Orthopedic terminology – when you visit your orthopedic physician, you will hear some new and confusing terminology.   Words like patella, fibula, medial, ACL and many more are common in the orthopedic surgeon’s vocabulary.  But what do they mean in layman’s terms?   They certainly can be very confusing.

Your orthopedic surgeon should explain these terms to you but even then they can still be quite confusing.  Below is a list of common terms and their meanings that are often used by .

ANTERIOR – at the front of the body.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament – usually abbreviated to ACL is the ligament that connects the femur to the tibia.  Responsible for a large proportion of knee injuries.

ARTICULAR CARTILAGE – the covering of the moving inside surfaces of the knee.
ARTHROSCOPY – minimally invasive surgery routinely used in knee surgery to repair the knee or remove debris from the knee joint.

BONE SPURS  or Osteophytes – abnormal projections of bone most commonly caused by excessive stress on the ends of the bones.

CARTILAGE – the covering of the bones in a joint that allows the joint to move and also cushions the bone.

FEMUR - the thigh bone.

FIBULA – the outer bone in the leg between the ankle and the knee.

HAMSTRINGS – the muscles at the back of the thighs.

LIGAMENTS – the tissue that connects one bone to another.

MENISCUS – the cartilage that gives further cushioning to the knee joint.

MENISECTOMY – arthroscopic surgery to remove part of the meniscus.

OSTEOPHYTES – see bone spurs.

PATELLA – the kneecap, the flat bone at the front of the knee.

PATELLO FEMORAL JOINT – the joint under the kneecap.

PATELLA LIGAMENT – the ligament that secures the patella (knee cap) over the front of the knee joint.

POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT – usually abbreviated to PCL and is found behind the Cruciate ligament.

QUADRICEPS – the muscles located at the front of thighs.

SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE – the membrane that produces a lubricant (synovial fluid) to help knee move smoothly.

TIBIA – The shin bone.

These are the most common terms that your orthopaedic surgeon or the surgeon’s assistant may use but there are many more. 

Although orthopedic terminology can be confusing, the knowledge of a few of the more common terms will help in your understanding of the complex knee joint and impending orthopedic knee surgery.

Major knee surgery set for Leafs’ Van Ryn

CBC.ca Major knee surgery set for Leafs ‘ Van Ryn SportingNews.com Defenseman Mike Van Ryn will have major knee surgery in late October

Adam Vinatieri Has Knee Surgery

Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was forced to undergo surgery on his right knee to remove some cartilage. Early Wednesday, the Colts announced the surgery. 

Knee Surgery Common Among Young Patients

Chronic pain management and support group dealing with Fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease and other neurological disorders. 

Extensive Knee Surgery Ahead For Mike Van Ryn

Defenceman Mike Van Ryn is expected to announce that he has decided to undergo extensive knee surgery which could potentially spell the end of the 30-year old’s NHL career. continued.

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This article is about  Orthoscopic Knee Surgery and also outlines other types of orthopaedic knee surgery.

The most common reasons for knee surgery are arthritis and injury. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that slowly wears away cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the knee, causing damage to the cartilage.

Arthritis can develop in people of all ages but is more commonly found in the older segment of the population. Injury can occur following a blow to the knee and is commonly a result of sports related injuries. This type of injury is often found in younger people who are involved in activities with a lot of stress to the knee, sudden shifting of positions, or potential for the knee to be hit. There are several types of surgery to repair damage done to the knee.

Synovectomy is the process where the lining of the knee is replaced. This surgery often helps reduce progression of knee problems and can delay the need for more invasive surgery. This type of surgery shows success only if the problems were diagnosed early and the damage is not severe. Prolonged diagnosis or advanced injury will not likely be conducive to this type of surgery.

An osteotomy is a procedure is where the bones are cut and realigned to redistribute weight. If this type of surgery is performed, it may reduce the necessity for a knee replacement. In order for it to be successful, though; early detection is crucial. Even in more advanced cases, this surgery can prolong the need for knee replacement by up to ten years.

Menisectomy is where pieces of cartilage are removed to help promote a pain free experience. This procedure is an arthroscopic process resulting in less recovery time and lowered post operative pain. In approximately sixty percent of patients, this procedure can provide maximum relief for up to five years. It has a high success rate.

Total knee replacement surgery is the most radical type of surgery of the knee. It is usually a last resort and will occur only with progressive advancement of damage or in cases of severe distress. This procedure is still in its early stages of development but advances are made continually. This type of surgery is proven to be highly effective and can provide permanent relief from pain and stiffness.

Damage to the knee can cause pain and stiffness. This may hamper a person’s ability to walk or perform routine exercises comfortably. Surgery is a viable option for reducing the effects of knee arthritis or injury. Most physicians recommend utilizing the least invasive form of surgery possible. This will provide relief and delay the necessity for more radical surgery.

By: Gray Rollins -

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UCLA’s Morgan Recovering From Knee Surgery

UCLA’s Morgan recovering from knee surgery. The Associated Press. 3:35 p.m. April 16, 2009. LOS ANGELES — UCLA center J’mison Morgan has undergone arthroscopic knee surgery. 

Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis?

Arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis? Just say no: for most patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, arthroscopic surgery offers little benefit.

Lugo to Have Arthroscopic Surgery on Knee Tuesday

Julio Lugo will likely have arthroscopic surgery on his sore right knee Tuesday to determine the extent of the damage there, and could be back on the field in less than a month if all goes well. 

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Does Not Bring Expected Benefits

And recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that arthroscopic knee surgery, which is the most commonly performed orthopedic surgery in the United States, may not bring any desired benefits.

Knee surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery was developed to treat torn cartilege and ligaments, and it works beautifully for these acute injuries. 

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Avoiding total joint replacement surgery  on the knee or hip with physical therapy is the best road to recovery.

Due to arthritis, you may need total hip or knee joint replacement surgery in your later years. Physical Therapists may prevent or delay a surgery by showing individuals pain management skills, exercises, and stretches that improve function. Ultrasound, low level laser, electric stimulation, and taping techniques are other ways used to assist with pain management.

To find the source of the pain in your leg, Physical Therapists will evaluate you. A qualified Physical Therapist will customize a program to match your rehabilitation needs and abilities. You will also learn how to put only small amounts of stress on your joint that has been injured, so that the pain will be minimized.

If joint replacement surgery is unavoidable, it is recommended that in order to know what to expect after surgery, you begin working with an experienced Physical Therapist prior to your surgery.

After  total joint replacement surgery, why is Physical Therapy so essential?

A well thought out exercise regimen will increase the function of your new joint. Weak strength or range of motion post operation can leave some with limited walking and pain. The procedures your doctor performed will determine which strengthening and flexibility exercises you require. Some procedures will limit how you will be able to bend your leg or the weight you can put on it while it heals.

The exercises prescribed by your Physical Therapist should focus on strengthening your hip, trunk, and leg muscles and making them more flexible. Neuromuscular control is an important factor in the activity of leg muscles balance. Therefore, having a balance training added to the rehabilitation program to improve muscle co-ordination and movement patterns can be helpful. Your physical therapist will help you limit the effects of post-surgical scar tissue and muscle imbalances.

Rob Tendick is a physical therapy student who has helped rehabilitate patients after a total knee replacement. Rob knows firsthand the importance of trying to prevent surgery with physical therapy. Based on his experience Rob recommends Westwood Physical Therapy for outstanding physical therapy, including treatment for injury prevention. For more information visit westwoodpt.com.

New Concerns About Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

This is the primary concern of those opposed to minimally invasive knee replacement surgery–by not exposing the knee joint as well, the implants are not being properly placed, and therefore more likely to wear out quickly. 

Arizona Doctors Leading the Way With New Hip Replacement Technique

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Learning the Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty

This is in contrast to minimally invasive hip surgery via a 2-incision approach that does not allow direct visualization of the femur and intraoperative recognition of calcar fractures that have been reported to occur in approximately [...] 

Knee Surgery – Knee Joint Pain Relief

This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves replacement of only damaged parts of one compartment. This surgery is beneficial for people with severe knee arthritis. Major benefits of partial knee replacement surgery are smaller [...] 

New Doubts About Popular Joint Surgery

Knee surgery is increasingly being done using smaller incisions (left), leaving more large muscles intact. 

Knee Replacement in India

In minimally invasive knee surgery, the incision is only 4 to 6 inches long. 

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 When  non-surgical treatment options for knee arthritis  are not much helpful, knee surgery is recommended to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Here is some useful information about knee surgery for arthritis treatment.Arthritis is a degenerative disorder of joints, which causes the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in inflammation and swelling of joints. Osteoarthritis is the common form of arthritis, which affects knee joints. Knee arthritis is also caused by gout, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or infection. Age (people above 50 years), being overweight, knee injuries, trauma, ligament damage, deposition of uric acid crystals and abnormal body structure are the risk factors for knee arthritis.

A person with knee arthritis may experience knee pain during activities, joint swelling and tenderness, stiffness of knee, cracking noise and limited range of motion.  Knee arthritis  is diagnosed with the help of physical examination and findings of imaging tests such as X-ray and MRI scan. Knee arthritis can be treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), knee support braces, physical therapy, muscle relaxants and heat and cold treatments. Since obesity is one of the risk factors for knee arthritis, losing excess weight and maintaining a normal body weight is an important regimen for knee arthritis treatment. A well-planned exercise program can help to reduce the stiffness in knee joints and improve the range of motion. When these treatment options are not helpful in relieving the symptoms, an orthopedist may recommend the knee surgery. Read on to know about different surgical options for arthritis treatment.

Knee Surgery for Arthritis Treatment

Knee arthritis can be treated with various surgical methods such as synovectomy, osteotomy, arthroscopy, arthroplasty, unicompartmental knee replacement and total knee replacement. Knee surgery for arthritis treatment is aimed at relieving joint pain, reducing joint stiffness, and improving range of motion as well as appearance of deformed joints.

Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is the surgical procedure, which provides a direct view of the joint structure with the help of arthroscope. Since arthroscope is attached to closed-circuit television, arthroscopic surgery can be used to determine the type of arthritis and the amount of damage to knee joint. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. Arthroscopic clean-out is beneficial in case of mild to moderate knee arthritis. However, the benefits of arthroscopic surgery are temporary and symptoms may reappear after some duration.

Synovectomy: This procedure can be performed as an open surgery or using an arthroscope. In this surgical procedure, diseased synovium (soft tissue joint lining) is removed. This helps to reduce joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. But, the results may be temporary and synovium may grow back after some years.

Osteotomy: In most case of knee arthritis, some deformities of leg may develop such as bowleg or knock-knee, which can worsen the symptoms of knee arthritis. These deformities can be corrected with the help of osteotomy. This surgical procedure involves cutting and repositioning the bone, either tibia or femur bone, due to which the alignment of leg is improved. This helps to relieve pain and manage the symptoms of arthritis.

Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty involves rebuilding of knee joints. It is also referred to as total joint replacement, in which a part or entire arthritic joint is removed. Generally, it is replaced with ceramic, plastic or metal parts. In this surgical procedure, the end of bone where cartilage has worn away is resurfaced. This procedure enables many disabled people to regain knee joint activity.

Unicompartmental knee replacement: It is also known as partial knee replacement. This surgical option is considered to be a good treatment option for osteoarthritis of knee joint. Out of two compartments of knee, only one compartment may be affected by arthritis, while other may be normal. This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves replacement of only damaged parts of one compartment. This surgery is beneficial for people with severe knee arthritis. Major benefits of partial knee replacement surgery are smaller incision, less blood loss and shorter duration for recovery. This surgery helps to reduce symptoms and improves range of motion. But, the main disadvantage of unicompartmental knee replacement surgery is that non-replaced knee compartment may deteriorate over time.

Total knee replacement: Total knee replacement is necessary in most cases of knee osteoarthritis. People with hampered joint mobility, malfunctioning knee joints and limited activities due to joint pain and swelling are recommended to undergo this surgery. In this surgical procedure, the ends of damaged lower leg bones and thighbones as well as kneecap are replaced with artificial implants made from plastic or metal. The artificial joint is connected to shin, thighbone and kneecap using cement or a special material. There are different types of knee replacement implants such as cemented knee replacements and press-fit knee replacements. The complete surfaces at the ends of thighbone and lower leg bone are replaced. Most often, general anesthesia is preferred for joint replacement surgery. Knee replacement implants can last for about 10-15 years in 90-95% of patients. Total knee replacement surgery helps to relive pain and stiffness in joints to improve mobility and functioning of knee joints.

Knee surgery is one of the most effective  options for arthritis treatment, which helps to relieve painful symptoms of arthritis and restore normal functions of knee joints. This enables a person to perform daily routine activities with much ease.

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Knee replacement is considered to be the area of Orthopedic surgeon but physiotherapists says that their voice is must before decision for treatment should be taken.

Knee replacement is used as a treatment option for a variety of different conditions including deformity, knee injury, bone tumour and arthritis. Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can bring about the onset of symptoms but osteoarthritic change is much more common than rheumatoid problems.

Knee replacement is usually considered once other therapies including pain medications and exercise programmes have failed. Sometimes by the time a patient sees a consultant specialist however the degenerative changes are too severe to address the condition using conservative methods.

The symptoms

The symptoms of osterarthritis of the knee can present at different times depending on the activities a person is carrying out at any given time. The description of the symptoms in the most general sense is that a person will experience knee pain or loss of flexibility. This pain often presents as follows:

* Pain resulting in loss of sleep at night
* Slight or no relief of pain when taking medications
* Problems going up and down flights of stairs
* Chronic stiffness and or swelling in the knee
* Being unable to participate in leisure activities due to knee pain

When these kind of symptoms become limiting on mobility and activities of daily living primary care practitioners (or General Practitioners) will make a referral to an orthopaedic specialist. The specialist, a consultant knee surgeon, will examine the knee, its movement and the strength of the muscles around the joint. An x-ray will be necessary to show the surgeon the extent of the osteoarthritic change and an MRI scan may be necessary.

These diagrams illustrate the effects and typical location of osteoarthritic change on the knee joint, showing a representation of a healthy knee and also with degeneration in both compartments (sides) of the knee.

When the arthritic changes occur to this extent it would indicate that a total knee replacement is required rather than a partial knee replacement, which is suitable only when single-compartment osteoarthritis is present.

The patellofemoral compartment is the part of the joint shown at the top in these illustrations beneath the patella (or kneecap) itself.

The two condyles, as they are called, extend down from the femur and are called the medial (in-side) and the lateral (outside) condyles. In each of these illustrations the medial condyle is on the left hand side and the lateral on the right hand side. The simple way to remember this is that the lateral compartment is above the fibula, the smaller bone in the lower leg. The large bone in the lower part of the leg is called the tibia on which the two condyles bear. Arthritic change and the inflammation it causes increases friction in the knee joint, wears away cartilage and is the primary cause of the symptoms leading to knee replacement.

Treatment – surgery

Before a patient is admitted to the Clinic for knee replacement they will be asked to make a visit for a pre-operative assessment. This is a thorough examination and education process during which routine tests are carried out. It is a very good opportunity for patients or their relatives to ask any questions to address their concerns about the upcoming operation and preparing for it.

The knee replacement operation itself at the most basic level involves removing the arthritic bone and tissue and covering the medial and lateral condyle and the top of the tibia with new bearing surfaces. The operation normally takes around two hours and is performed under anaesthetic. It is possible to use either regional or general anaesthetic, the latter being used in most instances.

During surgery a midline incision is made over the patella which is moved aside along with muscles and connective tissues. The operation is carried out with the knee in a bent position allowing all parts of the joint to be exposed. Arthritic bone is removed from both the tibia and femur, preserving as much healthy bone and tissue as possible. The tibia is hollowed out enough for the tibial implant to be inserted in a stable position and once the femoral and tibial compartments are smoothed over the surgeon will carefully measure both for the prostheses (implants).
Once measured a precise amount of bone will be removed from each part of the knee joint to ensure a good fit with the prostheses in place. Once the implants are inserted, which can be done with or without cement, the surgeon will bend and rotate the knee to confirm that it moves properly and the implants are aligned.

After surgery

A patient will normally stay in hospital for three to four days following a total knee replacement. With minimally invasive advances in surgical techniques it can be possible to start to walk short distances with the aid of crutches or a walker only hours after surgery. At the Clinic the nurses and physiotherapists will spend the most time with each patient and determine the most appropriate mobilization program tailored to each individual.

The exercises learned while in hospital will be a very important part of the long term success of the knee replacement replacement and should be continued as a part of a daily routine as prescribed by the physiotherapists while in hospital.

Normally a patient will be asked to attend a follow up appointment six to eight weeks after leaving hospital to see their consultant surgeon who will review progress and, if appropriate, make recommendations or adjustments to a patients activities at that time.

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 Knee arthroscopies are emerging as a popular option amongst orthopedic procedures especially for knee injuries. Following the recent advances in arthroscopy since late 1960’s, millions of people opt for it every year for quicker rehabilitation. Know the following facts of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery before undergoing one.

 A lot many musculoskeletal problems related to the knee can be diagnosed with history taking and joint examination. Laboratory investigations like knee aspiration, X-rays, MRI, CT scan can further help in better diagnosis. Arthroscopy would be the last rescue in difficult to diagnose conditions or for therapeutic purpose.

What is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure wherein the inside of the knee joint is visualized with an endoscope for diagnosis and treatment. The word "Arthroscopy" in Greek means (skopein) looking within the joint (arthro).

What are the Indications of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Arthroscopic knee surgery is helpful for diagnosing the following conditions

• Arthritis especially mono-arthritis
• Inflammation of synovial membrane
• Gouty arthritis
• Joint infections

Arthroscopy is of therapeutic importance in following impairments

• Repair of torn cartilage or other tissues
• Treating locked knee
• Correcting knee dislocations
• Loose bony fragments inside the knee interfering with mobility
• Patella-femoral syndrome
• Bakers’ cyst or popliteal cyst
• Knee Tendonitis
• Pain management in osteoarthritis

How is Knee Arthroscopy performed?
Arthroscopy is performed through two tiny incisions on the knee joint, one for the scope equipped with a tiny video camera and the other for injecting sterile fluid into the joint. The surgeon can clearly visualize the type of joint damage on a monitor and perform surgery with specialized instruments into the afflicted structures of the knee.

What are the Advantages of Arthroscopy?

• Surgery takes less than an hour
• Surgery can be performed through a considerably smaller incision
• Less pain, stiffness and low scarring
• Helps in accurate diagnosis besides being minimally invasive
• Quicker recovery than conventional surgeries
• Minimal hospitalization is necessary and the patient can be discharged within a day depending upon the complexity of disease

What is the Prognosis after an Arthroscopy?
Prognosis is usually faster than any open surgery. However complete recovery would vary for every individual depending upon the type of ailment. Rehabilitation post -surgery consists of incision care, exercise advised by physical therapist and some limitations in physical activities. Resuming back the complete range of activities would take around a month or 6 weeks and would differ for everyone.

Are there any Risks involved or Complications in Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic treatment in osteoarthirtis and pain management is highly debatable; an orthopedic surgeon would best decide the ideal treatment whether arthroscopy or knee replacement suits one better. Anesthetic risks are unlikely, but rarely may occur. Possible complications are the same as in case of open surgery, though the possibility is very low on account of the smaller wound. Excess bleeding, infection, nerve damage, blood clotting, deepvein thrombosis are some of them.

Technorati Tags: arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time, best orthopaedic surgeon, knee arthroscopy recovery

Orthopedickneesurgery.net is dedicated to providing quality information on the subject of joint surgery and in particular, knee surgery and procedures.

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