KNEE ARTHROSCOPY MELBOURNE
Knee Arthroscopy Melbourne – A patient’s guide
Dr Arash Riazi – MBBS, BSc (Med), FRACS (Ortho), F.A.Orth.A.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
This guide is to help you understand the benefits and limitations of a knee arthroscopy.
It explains what knee arthroscopy is, who could benefit, what to expect, potential complications and recovery information that may help you get the best results from your surgery.
If you have any questions about knee arthroscopy, please contact my offices using the details below.
Dr Arash Riazi – Orthopaedic Surgeon
If you have any questions please call
(03) 9898 4216
New patients welcome.
Please bring a referral from your GP or Specialist.
Knee Arthroscopy Melbourne
What is it
The word “arthroscopy” comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). A knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to help diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. Knee arthroscopy is also known as keyhole knee surgery,
An arthroscope is a surgical instrument that is mounted with a tiny light and camera. During arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon will make 2-3 a very small incisions into the skin and insert a tiny camera into your knee. This allows them to view the inside of the joint on a screen. The surgeon can then investigate a problem with the knee enabling diagnosis or treatment of a variety of knee conditions.
Knee Arthroscopy Melbourne
Why consider a knee arthroscopy
A knee arthroscopy is often done when there is a painful knee condition that has not improved with conservative management particularly when there are mechanical type symptoms of clicking catching and locking. If there is recurrent pain and swelling or if there is a diagnostic dilemma where biopsies need to be taken.
How can a knee arthroscopy help
A number of knee procedures can be performed via arthroscopy:
- Removal or repair of torn cartilages
- Any damage to knee cap can be trimmed
- Removal of loose bodies such as bone, cartilage or debris from the joint
- Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
- Meniscus repair
- Stem-cell/microfracture treatment.
What happens during a knee arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is still an operation and is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Two or three incisions are made at the front of the knee for the camera and instruments. A sterile solution is inserted into the knee to allow the surgeon to see inside the joint and wash out any loose material.
If surgical treatment is needed, small instruments will be passed into the knee through the other incisions. The procedure can take 30-45 minutes after which each incision is closed using stitches or steristrips. You should be able to go home the same day. If you have stitches, these will be removed two weeks later when you are seen by Dr Riazi in an outpatient appointment.
The knee may ache and be swollen after the procedure and you will likely need painkillers to manage this. Most patients make a good recovery and return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks.
KNEE ARTHROSCOPY MELBOURNE
IMPORTANT NOTE
This information is designed to be a guide only. Every patient has unique needs and will react differently to surgery, pain management and recovery approaches.
If you would like more details or have any worries or questions about knee arthroscopy, please contact my offices so I may address your concerns.
KNEE ARTHROSCOPY MELBOURNE
Dr Riazi consults with public and private orthopaedic patients from all over Melbourne using knee arthroscopy to help diagnose and treat knee injuries. His current consulting locations include Epworth Eastern Hospital in Box Hill and Box Hill Hospital (Eastern Health) in Box Hill.