Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor
will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Infection
- Problems from anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Swelling or bleeding
- Damage to blood vessels, nerves, or other tissue
- The need to have another surgery
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Long term diseases such as diabetes and obesity
- Smoking
- Drinking excess alcohol
Reasons for Procedure
Arthroscopy may be done to:
- Diagnose an injury or disease
- Remove damaged bone or cartilage
- Repair tendons or ligaments
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to
stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night
before
- Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
- Specialists you may need to see
- Tests that will need to be done before surgery
- Using a special soap the morning of the surgery
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia will depend on the joint. The doctor
may give:
- General anesthesia—you will be
asleep
- Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
- Spinal anesthesia—you
will be numb from the belly down
Description of the Procedure
Small cuts will be made in the skin along the joint. A long
thin tool will be inserted through the cuts. The tool has a scope with a small
camera. The doctor will be able to see the inner joint area on a screen in the room.
The scope will be moved to examine the entire joint and look for problems. Other
small tools may be passed through the cuts to remove or repair damaged tissue. Work
that can be done includes:
- Removal of damaged cartilage in the knee
- Release or loosen ligaments that are pressing on nearby nerves
- Repair of damaged ligaments
The tools will be removed. The skin may be closed with
stitches or clips and covered with a dressing. The fluid or tissue that was removed
may be sent to a lab for exam.
How Long Will It Take?
Usually less than 1 hour. It may take longer if repairs are being done.
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after can be managed with medicine.
Post-procedure Care
It may take 4 to 6 weeks for the joint to fully recover if a repair was done. Exercises and physical therapy may be suggested.
Athletes often return to athletic competition within a few weeks.
Problems to Look Out For
Call your doctor if you are not feeling better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, a lot of bleeding, or discharge from the cut
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Lasting nausea or vomiting
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Joint pain, tiredness, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
- Swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not eased by raising your
knee above heart level for 1 hour
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right
away.
