What is
a Knee Arthroscopy?
An Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a fibre-optic telescope is inserted into the joint.
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a small incision to view and perform treatments inside the knee joint. The surgeon can remove fragments, smooth surfaces, or repair torn ligaments. It is typically done as a day surgery with recovery time varying based on the procedure and the patient's condition. Physical therapy is usually required afterward to regain knee strength and range of motion.
Arthroscopy allows direct visualization of all parts of the knee and also allows surgical procedures to be performed by minimally invasive ‘keyhole’ surgery.
The benefits of arthroscopy include
Small incisions
Faster healing
Rapid recovery
Less scarring
What Procedures can be performed via a Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee Arthroscopy can utilized to address
Meniscus tears
Loose bodies floating in the knee
To obtain a sample of the lining of the knee
Loose pieces of cartilage
Perform the majority of an ACL reconstruction
Washout infections
What are the risks of performing an Arthroscopy?
An Arthroscopy is a simple, minimally invasive, and commonly performed day surgery procedure. Dr Seeto has performed well over a thousand arthroscopies. Like all surgical procedures though, complications can occur.
Complications specific to Arthroscopy can include:
Infection
Dr Seeto’s incidence of infection is 1:1000
Stiffness
Bleeding
Ongoing pain
Blood clots in the leg (DVT) or lung (Pulmonary embolus)
What should I be aware of prior to surgery?
You should refrain from performing activities that exacerbate your symptoms, and in particular activities that cause swelling.
If you:
Are on any “blood thinning” medications, you need to inform Dr Seeto as they may need to be ceased prior to surgery being performed
If you have any wounds or abrasions on the operated leg you need to inform Dr Seeto as this can increase your risk of infection.
You need to remember to bring your scans/x rays to the hospital with you
You should have a clear understanding of why you are having the surgery, the risks involved and the process of recovering after surgery.
What happens on the day prior to surgery?
You will call the hospital in the afternoon of the day prior to surgery. You will be informed of the time to present to hospital and what time to cease eating and drinking from.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Admission and Caring Staff
Upon admission to the hospital, you'll be attended to by various caring staff, including the front desk clerk, nurses, and porters, ensuring your safety throughout your surgical journey.
Anaesthesia Options
Your anaesthetist will explain the anaesthesia options, typically general anaesthesia, but sometimes spinal anaesthesia with sedation is used.
Meeting with Dr. Seeto
Dr. Seeto will meet you before the anaesthetic, address any queries, and prepare your operated leg.
Recovery and Discharge
After surgery, you'll recover in the ward until awake, pain is managed, and medically stable, then be discharged from the "Day Surgery Ward" when you can eat, drink, and walk comfortably.
Can I drive myself
home after surgery?
You cannot drive yourself home after surgery and should not drive for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
Will I need crutches
after surgery?
The vast majority of Dr Seeto’s patients (>95%), do not require the use of crutches after an Arthroscopy.
You will be able to bear full weight on the leg limited by pain.
What will my leg look like after surgery
and what should I do with the dressings?
When you wake up from surgery your leg will be wrapped in a bandage as below.
1
The day after your surgery you can remove the bandage. You will see a padded woolly wrap that can also be removed.
2
Beneath the woolly wrap you will find waterproof dressings as below.
3
You can shower with these waterproof dressings on but do not scrub them
The waterproof dressings should stay on until you see Dr Seeto again
It’s normal to sometimes see some blood in the white padded areas of the waterproof dressing
Provided the blood is contained within the pad, they do not need to be changed.
Will I need pain killing medication
after surgery?
medication after surgery?
Will I need pain killing medication after surgery?
It is common to require some pain killing medication after surgery. Some patients require very little medication and others require a lot.
You will be given a script for this medication by your anaesthetist on the day of surgery. You need to take enough medication so that you are comfortable after the surgery.
How active should I be after surgery?
It’s important to try perform gentle daily activities and exercises provided after surgery to reduce complications.
Avoid excessive movements that cause pain and worsen swelling.
When do I see Dr Seeto again and
what happens at that consultation?
You will be seen by Dr Seeto approximately 7-10 days after your surgery. Dr Seeto’s secretary will contact you after your surgery to assess your recovery, answer any queries and to remind you of your follow up appointment.
Do you need a
Knee replacement?
Dr Seeto in affiliation with Medibank Private and East Sydney Private hospital, offers a program for eligible Medibank Private Members, to eliminate medical out of pocket costs for your Knee Replacement.
The program includes a pre-surgery preparation program, spending the minimal time necessary in hospital, as well as home rehabilitation if necessary.
Book a consultation
today
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