Arthroscopic knee surgery is becoming a more and more popular knee treatment method.  Here is information on using arthroscopy to regenerate knee cartilage.

Knee microfracture surgery or knee cartilage regeneration is a method used to repair damaged cartilage.  This method of orthopedic knee surgery can be used in some instances instead of necessitating a full or partial knee replacement surgery.   It can also be used to relieve the pain associated from knee cartilage injuries, knee arthritis in its early stage, lesions on the knee cap and degenerative chondral lesions of the knee.

Simply put, it is cartilage that helps to cushion the bones in the joints.

This type of knee surgery is minimally invasive with only one small incision being made to the affected knee.  this small incision, usually only a quarter of an inch long is made and an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint.  This apparatus allows the surgeon to see inside the joint using a micro camera and to work directly on the problem.  It is another type of arthroscopic knee surgery. 

Using an awl, a tool a bit like an ice-pick, the orthopedic specialist drills a series of tiny holes or "microfractures" directly into the bone surrounding the problem cartilage.  These tiny fractures causes the body to make new cartilage to replace the defective cartilage by causing bone marrow to seep from the microfractures that creates a blood clot.  This blood clot releases cells that rebuild cartilage.

Once the procedure has been completed knee surgery recovery is relatively fast with most patients being able to participate in sports and other strenuous and intense pastimes in around four months.
 
Physical therapy of the knee commences immediately the surgery is completed, usually in the recovery room, where a continuous passive motion machine is used to gently flex and extend the leg.  This CPM machine is used for periods up to 8 hours per day for a few weeks after surgery.  It is sometimes used while the patient is sleeping.  This sort of knee therapy is thought to sped up the cartilage regeneration process.

 
For the first six to eight weeks the knee joint should not be subject to any load bearing and so crutches are needed to assist with mobility.

Like any surgery there are risks like excessive bleeding and infection.  With proper care these are minimal.
Using microfracture surgery causes new cartilage to develop.  However, this new cartilage is not as durable as the original cartilage and has been known to break down after a few years.   The patient can also be left with increased stiffness in the knee joint.

Combining of arthroscopic knee surgery and microfracture knee surgery is becoming a recognised method of rebuilding cartilage.

Kerry Northey

Panthers look to Allen’s return from microfracture knee surgery.

The 29-year-old played only two games last season before he had to go for microfracture surgery on a knee, which caused him to miss the rest of the 2008-09 campaign. 

Microfracture Knee Surgery

Cartilage damage can lead to chronic knee pain. Athletes with this problem can benefit by microfracture surgery.  

Micro Fracture Surgery Versus Stem Cells

A physician compares the results of micro fracture for a knee cartilage lesion to stem cell injection. … It’s a brilliant advance over arthroscopic debridement (surgeries where cartilage is simply “cleaned up” by cutting it out). I think that in the future we may see stem cells placed in the joint after micro fracture surgery to aid healing and we’ll also see many non-surgical, stem cell based, injection options like the Regenexx procedure. 

Gregg’s Micro Fracture Surgery

It marked Gregg’s first regular-season game back on the field after missing last season when he underwent microfracture knee surgery. "It’s good to be back," Gregg said. "I was down and out. 

Did Cofield Have Microfracture Knee Surgery?

In the wake of New York Giants defensive lineman Fred Robbins’ disclosure that he had microfracture knee surgery before later removing the information from his blog.

Robbins needed microfracture surgery

He had microfracture knee surgery, which is a much more serious procedure than the scope that Cofield had. Robbins revealed the nature of his surgery on his own website. 

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Because  arthroscopic knee surgery is far less invasive than traditional knee orthopedic surgery, arthroscopic surgery recovery time is usually much quicker.  Even so, it is very important that you still follow the instructions of your arthroscopic surgeon to ensure that complications do not occur.

Signs of complications can include the following symptoms:

Fever or chills
Unexpected swelling in the knee
Ongoing redness or warmth around your knee
An increase in knee joint pain or pain in your calf muscle.

If you experience any of these symptoms you should call your orthopedic Dr as soon as possible.

Here are some things you should do and expect following your knee orthopedic surgery.

For the first few days following surgery keeping your knee elevated will help to reduce any swelling.  Using ice packs on your knee will also help with swelling and pain.

Generally the dressing that was applied following the knee operation can be removed after a day or so.  When you remove the bandage ensure to keep the area dry and clean.  When showering avoid getting water directly onto the wound.  

Usually within a few days after the knee surgery you will be expected to see your knee surgeon so he can check your progress and instruct you on your knee physiotherapy.

After your knee surgery you should be able to walk unassisted.  However, you may be advised to use crutches or a cane for a short period of time.  You will find that you will slowly be able to put more weight on the affected limb as any pain reduces and the knee becomes stronger.  You can usually drive after about 7 days.

Exercise is very important to regain mobility and strengthen the knee.  You may be directed to use a physiotherapist who can map out an exercise regimen specifically for you.

Your arthroscopic surgeon may recommend a course of antibiotics following the surgery to prevent any infection.  In addition he may also prescribe some medication for knee pain relief.

Although rare, knee arthroscopy does sometimes lead to complications.  These can include infection, an accumulation of blood around the knee and blood clots.  As I mentioned, these are infrequent an are usually minor.  They are easily treated.

Fortunately, with this type of orthopedic knee surgery, the pros far outweigh the cons.  Any complications arenegligible and the benefits obtained in mobility and pain reduction are well worth a few days of discomfort.

Knee Pain Relief: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery & Knee Braces

The arthroscope (one of the surgical tools used in the surgery) is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision that your physician will make.  As a result of being less invasive, this procedure can reduce recovery time and can increase the success rate of the procedure. 

News that Seahawks’ Jones will require another knee surgery.

News that Jones will require another knee surgery, this one arthroscopic, leaves the team with only two proven tackles for the immediate future.

Speeding Up Your Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is fairly quick, especially when compared with recovery from open knee surgery.

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 Knee joint replacement surgery  is a major operation and whether you have a full or partial knee replacement problems can occur. This article discusses what you need to ensure you are prepared for rehabilitation after invasive or arthroscopic knee surgery.

What You Need To Know Before Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement is pretty scary, but you can do it, especially if you are prepared! After you and your Doctor have decided you need your knee replaced, it’s time to make preparations.

First and foremost, check with your insurance company to make sure which benefits you have. Find out specifically how long they will allow you to stay in the hospital. Many insurance companies will make you leave the on the fourth day after the operation and they may send you to a ‘rehabilitation facility’, which in their jargon could mean a nursing home.

In my experience, I was transferred to the nursing home on a Friday. This meant I would not be evaluated by their visiting physical therapist until Monday. Because of that, I declined from a 90 degree bend in my new knee to a 70 degree bend, in just three days. All my rehab in the hospital had just gone down the drain and I had to start all over again. Just so you know, you will be working towards a 125 degree bend after the Knee Replacement Surgery.

It is very important to know how the insurance company will deal with you before, during and after the knee surgery.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

* Find out with whom you are speaking, their position and their extension number.

* I want to know what benefits I have for a total Knee Replacement.

* Do I have skilled Physical Therapy benefits in the hospital where the surgery takes place for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they?

* Do I have Rehabilitation benefits for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for the services?

* Do I have Rehabilitation equipment and supplies covered for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Is there a co-pay?

* Do I have ongoing outpatient therapy benefits for after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for services?

* Do I have home therapy benefits after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Which Home Health agencies may I use after the Knee Replacement?

To maintain your independence at home, after your Knee Replacement Surgery, buy a bar refrigerator that will go on a table next to your bed. This will be invaluable when you do come home. Stock it with water, sodas, milk, Jell-O’s and individual pudding snacks. Fresh fruit is also a good snack. Purchase the 2 oz boxes of cereals and stack them beside the refrigerator. Put a large plastic drinking cup next to the bed and weight it with a golf ball, which will hold plastic utensils, knives, forks and spoons (the golf ball keeps it from tipping over). Use a plastic bowl for the cereal and throw it away when you’re done. Bumblebee Tuna makes an individual lunch kit that comes pre-made with crackers and a little wooden spoon.

These little things will help you feel independent by being able to get breakfast, snacks and an occasional lunch on your own. It also gives your care giver a little break. I found that there were some days that I had no appetite due to pain and/or medication so I kept a stock of Slim Fast or Boost in the refrigerator for basic nutrition.

If you smoke, now is the time to stop or at least cut down. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which is not a good thing when you’re going in for major surgery. If you tend to be a little over weight try to lose a few pounds. A little less weight on a new knee joint means a little less pain. Okay, no more preaching.

Line up the people that will be helping you after your Knee Replacement Surgery and, believe me, you will need them. If you can afford it, hire someone to come in for 4-6 hours a day. They will help you get out of bed, shower and get dressed. They prepare your meals, help you with your therapy exercises, keep you company and give your spouse or significant other, a break. Interview them now and let them know what your timing is. Your church would be a good place to find someone, or if you live near a retirement community, many times they have companions of their own that are looking for some extra income.

This isn’t essential but I think wise. Donate two pints of your own blood in case of an emergency. Make sure that this is completed at least a week before the surgery. You have to donate one pint per week. If you are taking antibiotics wait five days before giving blood. The blood bank will give you a card with the unit number on it that you present upon admission to the hospital.

You will need Grab Bars put into your shower/tub (don’t use your towel bars). Put them in before you have the surgery, installation is not that difficult and you will be grateful for the assistance over the next couple of months. This is a major safety issue. Balance will be tough after your Knee Replacement Surgery especially the first couple of weeks. You should buy a shower stool so you can sit while bathing. Your doctor may supply you with a cast protector to keep your new knee dry.

Purchase three rubber mats, one for in the shower/tub and the other two to be lined up parallel outside the shower/tub. You do not want to slip on a wet bathroom floor.

There is a product; a disposable body wash cloth, available that you can use to bathe in your bed. They can be placed in the microwave to be heated up and you can use them on days that you just can’t face the shower. They come in packs of eight. While they say to use all eight for one bathing I found that four were sufficient. Just close up the remaining four and use save them for the next time.

You will need a pair of slippers that cover the entire foot with a non skid bottom, flip flops are just too dangerous. You will also need a pair of lace up shoes for stability.

Some other items that you may need are:

* TV with Remote Control

* Telephone/emergency numbers

* A night light for the bathroom

* Handi-wipes

* Bedside Commode/Toilet paper

* Tissues

* Dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste

* Bell to ring for assistance

Another suggestion is to clear all the pathways in your home. Scatter rugs and cords are often the cause of falls, so are pillows and magazine. Remove articles from around the bed and chairs. Keep your pets under control. A dozing cat or a playful puppy in the wrong area can cause accidents.

Please see my other article on what you need to know about the day of knee replacement surgery and your rehabilitation.

Copyright, Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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By: Mary Hanna

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While traveling in Oregon three weeks before Dr. Tarlow was to perform my Knee replacement, I meet a fellow who had knee replacement surgery 3½ weeks prior and walking with minimal use of a cane.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

BoneSmart.org is a National Public-Awareness Campaign for Candidates of Hip Replacement Surgery and Knee Replacement Surgery. 

Total knee replacement surgery can boost mobility in elderly

Total knee replacement surgery can significantly improve physical functioning and motor skills of older patients with osteoarthritis, according to Duke researchers. 

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

What’s involved in Total Knee Replacement surgery?.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is fairly common and is not limited to a profession or gender, though it is generally more prevalent in older patients.

About The Author Mary Hanna writes eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles. Visit her websites at: www.biaxininfo.com www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com All of the products recommended in the article can be found at: www.MedicalCheap.com

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