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What to Expect Before, During, and After Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that enables orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat knee joint problems with quicker recovery and less pain.
If you’re considering knee arthroscopy in Singapore, here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure to help you prepare for a smooth and successful recovery.
Understanding Knee Arthroscopy
Surgeons perform knee arthroscopy by making small, strategic incisions around the knee to insert a scope and specialised instruments. This procedure allows them to visualise the inside of the knee joint, diagnose the problem, and perform necessary repairs. They might clean out damaged tissue or repair tears in cartilage, ligaments, or meniscus.
The procedure is minimally invasive, so it takes less time and leads to a shorter recovery period than traditional open surgery.
Why Is Knee Arthroscopy Recommended?
Surgeons in Singapore recommend knee arthroscopy to treat a range of knee problems that do not respond well to non-surgical treatments. Some of the common conditions treated with knee arthroscopy include:
- Meniscus tears: Damage to the cartilage that pads the knee.
- Ligament injuries: Including tears in the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament).
- Cartilage damage: Conditions like chondromalacia or damage to the articular cartilage.
- Knee joint inflammation: Caused by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
If you haven’t found relief from your knee pain through physical therapy, medication, or injections, knee arthroscopy can be a more direct approach to addressing the underlying issue.
How to Prepare for Your Knee Arthroscopy
Preparing for knee arthroscopy is a relatively simple process, but requires some key steps to ensure your safety and comfort:
- Consultation: Before scheduling surgery, you’ll meet with your orthopaedic surgeon to go over your symptoms, medical history, and the recommended procedure. You may need imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage.
- Preoperative instructions: Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, including fasting guidelines if you will undergo general anaesthesia. Inform your healthcare team about any medications you’re taking and any allergies you have.
- Post-surgery plan: Have someone drive you home after the surgery, as anaesthesia will make it unsafe for you to drive yourself.
What Happens During a Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
You will be under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. After administering anaesthesia, the doctor will make small incisions around your knee and insert a camera (arthroscope) to get a clear view of the joint. They will use specialised instruments to perform repairs or remove damaged tissue.
The procedure usually spans between 30 minutes and an hour. After completing the necessary repairs, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches or adhesive strips.
What to Expect During Recovery
After knee arthroscopy, patients should expect the following:
- Pain and swelling: It’s normal to experience mild pain and swelling after the procedure. Ice packs and prescribed pain medications can help manage discomfort.
- Mobility: You may need crutches for a few days to avoid putting too much pressure on your knee. Most patients can walk on their own within a few days.
- Wound care: Keep the area of incision clean and dry. Your surgeon will give guidelines on how to care for your incisions.
- Follow-up appointments: Your surgeon will arrange follow-up visits to check on your progress, check the healing process, and remove any stitches or bandages.
Many patients can go back to doing normal activities within a few weeks, but recovery times vary. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
Rehabilitation is crucial to your recovery. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan should include:
- Physical therapy: You will learn exercises to improve your knee’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Gradual return to activity: As you heal, you can gradually resume regular activities but avoid high-impact exercises or sports until your knee fully recovers.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding high-stress activities on your knee can help you preserve the benefits of knee arthroscopy over time.
Looking for Knee Arthroscopy in Singapore?
Knee arthroscopy is an effective, minimally invasive procedure that improves your quality of life with minimal recovery time. Whether you’re dealing with a meniscus tear, ligament injury, or cartilage damage, knee arthroscopy can provide relief and restore leg function.
Take the first step by booking a consultation with Spire Orthopaedic Centre. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive knee care and the ideal treatment for your condition.