Arthroscopic surgery on the knee involves inserting a small camera, less than 1/4 inch in diameter, into the knee joint through a small incision. The camera is attached to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to see inside the knee. In some facilities, the patient can choose to watch the surgery on the monitor as well.
For a simple surgical procedure, a local or regional pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is given to numb the affected area. You will remain awake and able to respond. For more extensive surgery, general anesthesia may be used. In this case you will be unconscious and pain-free.
After the camera is inserted, salt water (saline) is pumped in under pressure to expand the joint and help control bleeding. Some surgeons also use a tourniquet to prevent bleeding.
After looking around the entire knee for problem areas, the surgeon will usually make 1-4 additional small surgical cuts to insert other instruments. Commonly used instruments include:
- A blunt hook to pull on various tissues
- A burr to remove bone
- A shaver to remove damaged or unwanted soft tissues
A heat probe may also be used to remove inflammation (synovitis) in the joint.
At the end of the surgery, the saline is drained from the knee. The incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor to allow the patient to see what was done.
For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com
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