Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a physician uses an arthroscope to evaluate or to treat meniscus injuries, for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and to treat cartilage microfracturing.
The arthroscope (one of the the surgical tools used in the surgery) is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision that your physician will make. This incision is approximately 4 mm (1/8 inch) in length. Another small incision is made so that the surgical instrument being used can work upon the affected area. As a result of using surgical instruments that are smaller than traditional instruments, the procedure can be monitored. For example, a small fiberoptic camera (the endoscope) into the 4mm incision in order to monitor the joint, and the surgery taking place.
As a result of being less invasive, this procedure can reduce recovery time and can increase the success rate of the procedure. The success rate can rise because there is less trauma done to the joint and its connective tissues. Since it is a less invasive procedure there is also less scarring. In order to make "surgical space" the knee joint will be distended by the use of irrigation fluid. This fluid can sometimes leak into the surrounding soft tissue and cause edema (swelling).
One of the benefits of arthroscopy is that most patients can return home, walking with a pair of crutches the same day, or within 24 hours. Many times people will ask how long it will take to heal, and this depends on the the reasons why surgery was needed in the first place. Was it an ACL reconstruction, or a meniscus tear? These two different procedures will vary in recovery time. - A person's physical condition will also be a factor to consider in regards to recovery time. It is important to listen to your physician, but is not uncommon for athletes in good physical condition to return to normal athletic activities within a few weeks of the procedure. (See your physician for details).
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References :
1.) NEJM -- A Controlled Trial of Arthroscopic Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the Knee". Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
2.)"A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee" N Engl J Med 2002 Jul 11;347(2):81-8, Moseley JB; O'Malley K; Petersen NJ; Menke TJ; Brody BA; Kuykendall DH; Hollingsworth JC; Ashton CM; Wray NP
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