The risks and complications associated with arthroscopic knee surgery include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, persistent swelling and stiffness, heart attack, and stroke.
Studies have found that knee arthroscopy usually does not relieve pain, and any pain relief a patient does get is short-lived. And while complications from arthroscopy are rare, they can be serious, including blood clots and infections.
Arthroscopy is a very safe procedure and complications are uncommon. Problems may include: Tissue or nerve damage. The placement and movement of the instruments within the joint can damage the joint's structures.
Infection. Thrombophlebitis (clots in a vein) Artery damage. Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)
You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.
After knee arthroscopy, a person will be able to move comfortably within 4 to 6 weeks. But in the duration of 4 to 6 weeks, it is essential for them to take enough precautions.
In the United States, currently, the average age to undergo knee arthroplasty is around 65 years old. Mostly knee replacement surgery is performed in elders with severe arthritis, while those under the age of 50 are considered young and are asked to wait until the age of 65.
You may be able to walk around almost straight after your surgery. But this will depend on why you had surgery and the type of surgery you had. Some surgeons recommend a week or two of rest, followed by gentle exercise and then sports later.
There is no age limit for hip arthroscopy, as positive results have been proven in young and old patients [38].
The cartilage damage associated with arthritis is irreversible, but there are nonsurgical and surgical treatments that can help reduce pain, increase joint flexibility and improve overall quality of life for people with knee arthritis.
You may shower 48 hours after your surgery and get your incisions wet. Do NOT immerse in a tub or pool for 7 – 10 days to avoid excessive scarring and risk of infection. Keep Ice Packs on at all times exchanging every hour while awake. Icing is very important to decrease swelling and pain and improve mobility.
Stop walking or standing before your knee starts to get achy, sore or swollen. Minimize walking and standing for the next month—weightbearing (walking or standing) puts stress on your freshly operated knee, and will cause more swelling, which will slow down your recovery.
In arthroscopy, part of the meniscus is removed. As a result, the knee has considerably less support and absorbancy. In time, osteoarthritis in the knee worsens, and the only option for successful treatment is a total knee replacement.
Typical costs
For patients with private health insurance who had a Knee arthroscopy in a private setting across all of Australia, 65% had an out-of-pocket cost. Of those: Patients typically paid: $400, Medicare paid: $780, Insurer typically paid: $840. Typical specialists' fees: $2,100.
An arthroscopy usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type you're having. The main steps of an arthroscopy are: the surgeon will make a small cut or cuts in the skin, around 2mm to 3mm wide, near the joint. a tiny camera with a light (an arthroscope) is placed into a cut.
It is normal for the knee to be sore and swollen following arthroscopy. Activity should be increased gradually. You should avoid prolonged walking or standing for the first few days. You should avoid squatting or kneeling or attempting to bend your knee beyond 90 degrees if the knee is painful or swollen.
Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.
Recovery. Regular exercise to restore strength and mobility to your knee is important for your full recovery after arthroscopic surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.
Knee arthroscopy can be performed using local anesthesia (only your knee is numb), regional anesthesia (you are awake but numb from the waist down), or general anesthesia (you are put to sleep).
The goal is to not be overly active. If the knee is not tremendously painful, walking can occur without crutches; however, do not overdo it in the first two to three days after surgery since this could result in more swelling than is necessary.
Do I need a knee brace? Knee braces after simple arthroscopic knee surgery are rarely used. However, if your surgery involves more than just removal of torn cartilage or meniscus - for example, if you have a meniscal repair - your knee may be placed in a brace after surgery.
Rest and elevate your leg (above the level of your heart if possible) for the first 24 hours by placing a pillow under your calf and/or ankle. Do NOT place a pillow under your knee as it will keep you from straightening your knee. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET YOUR LEG AS STRAIGHT AS POSSIBLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.