Arthroscopy of the knee joint

Arthroscopy of the knee joint is a minimally traumatic technique for examination and treatment of the affected joint. Through two small punctures, without incisions and blood loss, diagnostics are performed, which transmits the condition of the joint to the monitor, and surgical manipulations are performed through thin tubes.

The reason for arthroscopy does not necessarily have to be a serious injury. Sometimes meniscus injury is caused by unsuccessful rotation on the supporting leg or squatting. The pain may appear even after a month.

INDICATIONS FOR KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

If you notice swelling in the knee area, or feel pain, motor restrictions, locking, or joint instability, then this is a reason to take an X-ray or MRI as soon as possible. Most often, injuries mean a meniscus tear, and if the deformity is ignored for a long time, it will lead to cartilage injury (chondromalacia). And if at the first stages arthroscopy restores cartilage function, then at 3-4 stages more complex manipulations, including implantation, are required.

General indications:

meniscus damage;
damage to the cruciate ligaments of the knee joint;
lesions of articular cartilage;
dissecting osteochondritis (Canning's disease)
the presence of free intra-articular bodies;
habitual dislocation of the patella;
to be sons;
Goff's disease of the fatty body;
mediapatellar fold syndrome.

HOW THE OPERATION GOES

The patient chooses the anesthesia during the procedure. This is either general anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, or conductive (local) anesthesia.

Through a small puncture (5mm), a microscopic video camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the front of the knee joint to examine the site of the injury, as well as saline solution (turusol). It is needed to fill the joint cavity for a high-quality diagnosis. Treatment instruments are inserted through another puncture: a shaver, an ablator, mini-clamps. After eliminating the injury, the doctor cleans the cavity from the remaining fragments of cartilage, bone, chondromatous bodies to remove inflammation. At the end, single sutures are applied. The entire operation lasts an average of 20-30 minutes, depending on complications.

REHABILITATION

After arthroscopy, the patient goes home the same day or the next day. To reduce the load on the joint, the first days should be supported by crutches (crutches). Next, Dr. Makarov prescribes a rehabilitation course that allows you to restore joint mobility and resume daily activities as soon as possible.

What is on the usual rehabilitation list:

Ice application to reduce swelling on the first day.
Anesthetic therapy.
Bandaging and fixation with an elastic bandage.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (7-14 days)
Isometric gymnastics, joint development exercises, physiotherapy, exercise bike
Injections of salts of hipluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma, which accelerates cartilage repair.

At the next stage of recovery, the patient is prescribed special exercises to strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities, and is allowed to use an elliptical, swimming, and strength training. In case of osteoarthritis, certain stages of rehabilitation are added and the period of joint recovery is slightly extended - from 3 to 6 months.

After the arthroscopy, the sutures are removed in 2 weeks, and within six months, the scarring disappears. You can take a shower on the 7th day and return to your usual work activity after 2 weeks. Full physical activity can be started no earlier than in 4-6 weeks.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ARTHROSCOPY OVER OTHER TYPES OF SURGERY

Arthroscopy is now considered the "gold standard" in the treatment of knee joint pathologies. It is performed without incisions, does not injure the adjacent tissues, and therefore the patient quickly returns to healthy and full movement. Unlike open surgeries, arthroscopy does not require the joint to be completely opened. Modern arthroscope technology provides high efficiency and accuracy, so no matter how difficult the situation is, it is solved in a jewelry-like manner. In addition, cosmetic scars are not visible on the body over time. And patients can experience a 100% return to an active lifestyle.