Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method used to alleviate knee pain. The majority of people will experience some knee issues at least once in their lifetime, as the knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body and is prone to injuries.
The knee joint consists of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), patella (kneecap), and two cushions (menisci). The knee joint enables the extension and flexion of the leg and slight rotation. Knee injuries are increasingly being addressed today through modern arthroscopy, which originated in the late 1960s.
With technological advancements, this procedure, also diagnostic in nature, has become indispensable in orthopedics. Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with approximately four million procedures carried out annually.
Knee Pain
Injuries of the knee often occur in the summer when people are more active. They can also result from strenuous work, awkward walking, falls, traffic accidents, or sports activities.
Knee pain, swelling, a sense of instability, and reduced mobility should not be ignored. The problem is rarely self-resolvable, and timely consultation with an orthopedic specialist is essential to determine if knee arthroscopy is necessary.
How is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?
Knee arthroscopy can be described as a view into the joint from the inside. It is a surgical procedure where the interior of the joint is examined and treated using an arthroscope – an optical instrument.
The arthroscope contains lenses, lighting, and optical cables that transmit real-time images to a screen. Knee arthroscopy is applied for damages to the joint cartilage, patellar instability, meniscus tears, synovial membrane inflammation, and ligament ruptures.
Knee arthroscopy is also a solution for detached cartilaginous and bony fragments, as well as degenerative joint diseases and surrounding structures. Compared to traditional surgeries, arthroscopy causes much less tissue damage and significantly accelerates postoperative recovery.
What Does the Course of Arthroscopic Surgery Look Like?
The operation is performed under general or spinal anesthesia and lasts from half an hour to an hour. Before the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will request an X-ray of the joint to assess fractures, dislocations, tumors, or inflammation. Additionally, an ultrasound examination may be performed to check for fluid accumulation in the joint cavity and examine joint structures.
During the operation, the surgeon makes two or three small incisions through which optical and other instruments pass. The incisions are typically around one centimeter in size, and after the surgery, scars are usually barely noticeable.
Complications during knee arthroscopy are very rare and usually involve swelling, bleeding, or minor damage to blood vessels.
Postoperative Recovery
Recovery from the intervention is generally short, which is one of the main advantages of this method. After knee arthroscopic surgery, patients often do not need pain medication but rather rest and ice application to the knee every two to three hours. Within a week, patients can usually return to normal activities and resume sports after a few weeks.
Stitches are removed after about ten days, and to expedite and enhance recovery, strict adherence to the orthopedic surgeon’s advice is necessary. The operated leg should be kept elevated (usually on a pillow).
Trust Your Knee to Atlas General Hospital
The orthopedic team at Atlas General Hospital consists of twelve orthopedic specialists with trauma expertise who have perfected their skills in prestigious institutions. In addition to knee arthroscopy, the orthopedic team performs corrective osteotomy surgeries and complete knee prosthesis implantation, as well as many other forms of treatment for the musculoskeletal system.
Patients at the hospital also have access to physical therapy.
The extensive experience of orthopedic experts at Atlas General Hospital has enabled a large number of patients to move without pain and with ease. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology used worldwide. The pleasant hospital environment and friendly staff make patients feel relieved and secure rather than unwell.
The cost of knee arthroscopy is 236,000 RSD – NO HIDDEN COSTS!
Schedule consultations with the surgeon at +381 11 785 88 88 and +381 60 329 24 11.
