Preparation for Surgery

Overview

Arthroscopy of the knee is usually performed to diagnose and treat internal knee problems such as cartilage tears, (meniscal tears), loose bodies, arthritis and a lead up for ligament damage surgery. On occasions, arthroscopy may be used for other conditions, which will be explained to you by your surgeon, Mr Morris. Simple arthroscopy procedures are carried out in hospital as a Day Case. Occasionally you may require an overnight stay for medical reasons.

What to Expect when having a Knee Arthroscopy

The following video provides an overview of a typical patient experience having knee arthroscopic surgery as a Day Case procedure.

Video courtesy of physiotherapist, Ross Iles, of La Trobe University

On the day of your surgery, you will initially meet the nursing staff in the Day Care Unit and have a brief check up by your anaesthetist. Your knee will then be prepared with hair removal and a wash. From the Day Care Unit you will be taken to the operating theatre to meet Mr Morris prior to your surgery. In most cases, the knee arthroscopic procedure will be carried out under a general anaesthetic.

Knee Arthroscopy Surgery – Outline of the Procedure

Knee Arthroscopic Surgery

Your knee will be washed with antiseptic solution and a tourniquet applied to the thigh to prevent bleeding during the operation.

The arthroscope is introduced into the knee through a small puncture wound beside the knee cap. Initially a thorough examination is made of the entire knee and then particular reference is made to the problem as discussed with you by Mr Morris.

Cartilage damage, loose bodies and arthritis are then treated with small instruments that may be introduced through a second puncture wound on the other side of the knee cap. Photos are taken of your knee during your procedure.

At the end of the operation, the small puncture wounds will be closed with steri strips (an occasionally with sutures), the knee is then wrapped up with a sterile bandage.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will then be taken to the recovery room and eventually back to the Day Care Unit. You will be given an instruction sheet outlining your post operative care and also a photo of your knee taken during the procedure. Detailed findings of your surgery will be given to you at your post operative appointment which will be made for you approximately 10 days following the surgery.

Occasionally as will be discussed with Mr Morris at your interview there will be a need to go on to further surgery, and this will therefore require a longer stay in hospital.

Discharge from Hospital

• You will be required to stay in hospital for at least 2-3 hours following your procedure before you will be discharged.
• You must have someone available to drive you home from hospital.
• You must not operate machinery or drive a car for 24 hours after your procedure.
• You should have a responsible adult with you at home for at least the first 24 hours.

Post Operative Appointment

It is important that you attend this appointment usually 10 days post operative, as part of your ongoing treatment/management.