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Arthroscopy Arthroscopy is a very common procedure that allows Doctor's Heilig and Grau to examine and repair the shoulder and knee joints for many orthopaedic problems. This is a minimally invasive procedure involving incisions of approximately 1/4 inch. These incisions are called portals. The arthroscope is a small, pencil sized instrument with a miniature video camera. The arthroscope is introduced into the joint spaces through the portals. A video monitor will show the inside of the joint and Doctor's Heilig and Grau’s progress as they examines and repairs the joint. Repairs are made using very small surgical tools such as miniature scissors, shavers, knives, and other motorized and non-motorized instruments. Usually between 2 and 4 portals are used to perform arthroscopic surgery. Knee Arthroscopy The most common reason for knee arthroscopy is a torn meniscus (or knee cartilage). The meniscus consists of two C-shaped pads of cartilage that cushion the bones of the knee joint. Your meniscus can tear if the joint is twisted and the bones pinches the cartilage. In some cases, there may be loose debris or loose bodies within the knee joint causing pain and irritation. These are broken pieces of bone or cartilage loose within the joint. They can result from direct trauma or from swelling of arthritis. Surface defects are another problem that can usually be repaired arthroscopically. These rough areas on articular cartilage are a sign of osteoarthritis. With time, surface defects can break off and become loose bodies within the knee joint. Arthroscopy can be used to smooth out the surface defects in the knee’s articular cartilage. What should I expect before surgery? Doctor's Heilig and Grau will discuss the injury to your knee joint based on his examination and any test results, such as an MRI. Some injuries may improve with physical therapy. If your injury is one that may improve with physical therapy, that will be tried first. If surgery is indicated, he will discuss the procedure, what you should expect after surgery, and your recovery.  How is knee arthroscopy performed? At the outpatient surgical facility, you will be “prepped” for surgery – someone will clean your leg using an antiseptic solution. IV lines will be placed so that your body can receive medications and fluids. Anesthesia will be administered. The anesthesiologist will discuss directly with you what type of anesthesia is best for you. Next, your leg will be positioned and placed in a holder so that it remains still during your procedure. Doctor's Heilig and Grau will make the needed portals and insert the arthroscopic equipment through the portals. They will monitor the repair progress on the video monitor. Once the repairs are complete, the arthroscope is removed and the portals are stitched closed. What should I expect after surgery? After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. Here nurses will monitor your vital signs and your progress of recovering from anesthesia. You will be given specific directions concerning how to care for your knee after surgery. Our office can give you some general instructions; however, as each patient is different, each persons post operative care can vary. You will be able to call our office with any questions concerning your knee after surgery. Rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy Depending on the procedure, patients will likely be able to resume work and moderate exercise with in a relatively short amount of time. In some cases, the recovery may take longer. Recovery is aided by physical therapy. Physical therapy exercises will target explicit muscle groups to help your knee recover and strengthen in a manner that will help to support the repairs. Your physical therapist will aid you in learning these specific exercises and teach you to do them at home as well as in therapy. |
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