Sports Injuries: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or just love staying active, sports injuries
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee joint conditions. Utilizing advanced technology, this procedure allows orthopedic surgeons to view the inside of the knee joint through small incisions, leading to quicker recovery times and reduced post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery.
During knee arthroscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint through small incisions. This allows the surgeon to visualize the joint’s internal structures on a monitor and perform necessary procedures, such as repairing damaged cartilage, removing loose fragments, or addressing ligament injuries.
Knee arthroscopy is often recommended for patients experiencing:
The knee arthroscopy procedure generally involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: Patients are given either general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery.
Incision: Small incisions (typically 1-2 cm) are made around the knee joint.
Insertion of the Arthroscope: The arthroscope is inserted into the knee, allowing the surgeon to visualize the joint on a screen.
Diagnosis and Treatment: The surgeon can assess the condition of the knee and perform necessary repairs, such as:
Closure: The small incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips, and the knee is bandaged.
The entire procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery from knee arthroscopy is generally quicker than that of open knee surgery. Patients can expect:
I currently practice at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, where I’m the Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics.
My expertise covers Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Hip Replacement Surgery, Revision Surgeries, as well as Spinal Decompression & Fixation. To date, I’ve performed over 1500 joint replacement surgeries and more than 5000 orthopaedic surgeries.
Don’t let pain hold you back.
Pain levels after arthroscopic knee surgery can vary from person to person. Generally, patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. The use of anesthesia during the procedure helps minimize pain, and most patients are prescribed pain management medication for the recovery period. Swelling and stiffness may occur, but these can usually be managed effectively with rest, ice, and elevation.
Yes, most patients can begin walking shortly after knee arthroscopy, often on the same day as the surgery. The use of crutches may be necessary initially to provide support, but many individuals can gradually increase their weight-bearing activities as directed by their surgeon. Physical therapy will typically start soon after surgery to help regain strength and mobility.
Yes, bending your knee after arthroscopic surgery is encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process. While you may initially experience some stiffness, gentle range-of-motion exercises will be introduced early in your recovery to help regain flexibility. Your physical therapist will provide guidance on specific exercises and the appropriate timeline for bending your knee comfortably.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or just love staying active, sports injuries
Dr. Saif Nabi Shah is an exceptional orthopedic surgeon. He is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I recently visited him for a consultation regarding a long-standing knee issue, and I was impressed by his thorough approach. He took the time to listen carefully to my concerns, performed a detailed examination, and explained the diagnosis and treatment options clearly.
Connect with Dr. Saif Nabi Shah today!