Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is performed using a small telescope (arthroscope) and operating instruments which are inserted through very small incisions (key-hole). Usually there a two or three incisions which are less than 1cm. Using this small telescope, your surgeon is able to treat a number of injuries inside the knee, such as meniscus (cartilage) tears and loose bodies.

This minimally invasive technique allows a quicker recovery than an open procedure and can treat many conditions. Most cases are undertaken as day surgery and you will often be able to walk immediately after your surgery.

Knee arthroscopy can treat a wide variety of conditions and has a very high success rate. Your surgeon will discuss your case with and your expected benefits.

This surgery has a very low complication rate. The worst complication is infection, which occurs about once every 300 cases and requires further hospital treatment.

Your team at Orthopaedics SA will inform you of what you need to do before your surgery and when you need to arrive to the hospital. Most patients will need to fast 6 hours before their expected surgery and you are asked to bring your x-rays with you. Most cases involve a short general anaesthetic, and your anaesthetist will discuss this with you when they meet you on the day.

Most patients will go home on the same day as their surgery and will be able to walk out of hospital. You will need someone to drop you off and pick you up as you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.

It is normal to have some pain after your surgery and your team at Orthopaedics SA will provide you with pain relief to keep you comfortable. It is important to start moving and do your post-operative exercises soon after your surgery. Most patients find rapid improvement in their knee and will be comfortable within a few days of their surgery.

Most patients will be able to walk immediately after their surgery, but for some conditions, a brace or crutches may be need and your surgeon will inform you of the reasons for this.

You will have a bandage and dressings on your knee and your surgeon will inform you when these can be removed and if they can get wet. It is common to get some bleeding or clear yellow fluid for the first day or two after surgery. If this is not settling quickly, or you have excessive pain, high fever or redness, there could be an infection and you should contact your surgeon. This may require antibiotics or on rare occasion, further surgery.

When you return to work will depend on what type of work you do. Most patients will need a few days off after their surgery, but for more heavy, manual work, you may need longer.

For more information about this surgery or conditions it can treat, please contact Orthopaedics SA.