Are you suffering from a knee injury? Here is everything you need to know about the customized and safe arthroscopic knee surgeries at our Kelowna Private Hospital.
If you are suffering from a knee injury that is not improving with non-surgical treatments, then your doctor may suggest an arthroscopic knee surgery. Some knee injuries that may require such intervention include:
- torn meniscus
- damaged cartilage
- torn knee ligaments
- damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
What is a Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy is a surgical treatment that is used to diagnose and treat any problems in the knee joint using a tiny camera called an arthroscope.
Common Arthroscopic Procedures For The Knee
- Removal or repair of a torn meniscus
- Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Treatment of patella problems
- Treatment of knee infections (sepsis)
How is a knee arthroscopy performed?
During this type of knee surgery, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your knee joint. A sterile solution will be injected into the joint to rinse away any cloudy fluid and give your doctor a clear view of all the structures in your knee.
At first, your surgeon will diagnose your problem and if surgical intervention is required, then tiny instruments will be inserted through other incisions to repair any damage or injury.
Most arthroscopic knee surgeries last for less than one hour and often, patients will be able to return home the same day.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
While every knee surgery is different, arthroscopic surgery tends to have many advantages over traditional knee surgery, including:
- Fewer complications
- Less post-operative pain
- Scarring is kept at a minimum
- Faster recovery period
Are You a Candidate for a Knee Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy has transformed the way orthopaedic surgeons can diagnose and treat knee joint issues. If offers safer, minimally-invasive surgeries that have less pain and recovery time.
The board-certified surgeons at our Kelowna private hospital have years of experience and expertise in arthroscopic surgery and can offer specialized care for your unique joint issue. During a consultation, they can assess your knee injury and help determine whether or not an arthroscopy is the right procedure for you.
What to Expect After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
It’s important to remember that every patient heals from their knee surgery at a different pace but it’s crucial that you follow your doctor’s post-operation care instructions to ensure optimum results.
You should expect:
- Some pain, which can be managed by taking prescribed pain-killers
- Temporary swelling of the treatment area
- Limited strength, motion, and coordination, which will improve over the course of 3-4 months.
- To use crutches or a walker for 1-3 days after the surgery. Some patients are able to walk with a limp after 5 days, while others may require a cane for a longer period of time.
- To undergo some physical therapy during your recovery period.
Speeding Up Your Recovery After Knee Surgery
While the recovery period following knee surgery will vary widely from patient to patient, there are certain things that you can do to promote healing and speed up your recovery. This includes:
- Taking prescribed painkillers or anti-inflammatories to manage any pain and swelling.
- Using your walking aids, but aiming to gradually decrease the amount you rely on them as your knee gets stronger.
- Avoiding sitting with your knees crossed for at least 6 weeks after your operation.
- DO NOT put a pillow under your knee while you’re resting as this could result in a permanently bent knee.
- Wear supportive outdoor shoes
- Raise your leg when sitting and use ice packs to reduce any inflammation and swelling
- Keep up your gentle exercises to prevent stiffness but DO NOT force your knee
Call Today
At our Kelowna Private Hospital, we offer a wide range of general and plastic surgery treatments ranging from breast augmentations and liposuction to arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgeries to restore the function and aesthetic appeal to your body safely and quickly. To find out more about the costs and benefits of the arthroscopic knee surgery at our Kelowna private hospital, contact a member of our team at 250-868-9799 or fill in the online contact form.
