Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare. All procedures have some risk. Your doctor will talk about possible problems, like:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Swelling or bleeding
- Damage to blood vessels, nerves, or other tissue
- The need to have another surgery
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Pre-existing heart or lung condition
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Recent or chronic illness
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorders
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
Other treatment will be tried before arthroscopy. The doctor will review images from x-rays or MRI. To prepare for surgery:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the care center.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
- The care team may ask you to use a special soap the morning of.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia will depend on the joint. The care team will talk to you about one of the following:
- General anesthesia
—you will be asleep during the procedure
- Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
- Spinal anesthetic
—the lower body will be numbed, you will be awake
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 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 include:
- Damaged cartilage in the knee may be cut and removed.
- Ligaments that are pressing on nearby nerves may be released or loosened.
- Damaged ligaments may be repaired.
The tools will be removed. The skin may be closed with stitches or clips. The incisions will be 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.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
- Swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not relieved by elevating your knee above heart level for 1 hour
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
