What is Diagnostic Arthroscopy?
Diagnostic arthroscopy is a surgical procedure typically utilized to examine the inside of the knee joint. This procedure utilizes an arthroscope, a flexible tube-like camera, that can be used to provide a clear visual of the affected area. Utilizing an arthroscope and other various arthroscopic instruments, an orthopedic surgeon can navigate the inside of the knee to identify areas that have succumbed to disease or injury. As the name suggests, a diagnostic arthroscopy deals with evaluating conditions of the knee prior to selecting a surgical option; however, in some cases, an orthopedic surgeon may opt to repair damage to the knee or take a tissue sample for a biopsy while performing the procedure.
The ability to investigate the cause of knee-related problems at the source gives surgeons unparalleled insight into the issue in need of treatment. Once enough information has been collected, the surgeon can develop an ideal treatment plan. Many knee-related conditions can be dealt with utilizing a minimally invasive surgical option that doesn’t require an extended hospitalization. In fact, the majority of arthroscopic procedures allow patients to return home following surgery. If you are suffering from a knee-related injury or disease, consult an orthopedic surgeon to see if diagnostic arthroscopy can be utilized to diagnose (and potentially treat) your condition.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone suffering from a knee-related condition could potentially require a diagnostic arthroscopy to gain insight into the root of the problem. The most common symptoms to look out for are knee pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility. Any of these symptoms could be indicative of a much more severe underlying problem, including:
- Fractured Knee Bones
- Displaced Patella
- Loose Bodies
- Baker’s Cyst
- Swollen Synovium
- Torn ACL or PCL
- Torn Meniscus
Like most knee-related injuries, those who take part in highly active lifestyles are at an increased risk of requiring arthroscopic surgery to address issues such as those mentioned above. Athletes, laborers, and those who subscribe to an active lifestyle need to pay close attention to their bodies. Pain is a message that must be heeded, not ignored, and those who respect what their bodies tell them will be able to compete, work, and participate at a higher level than those who neglect their physical wellbeing.
What Happens During the Procedure?
In a sense, the procedure starts the moment the surgeon begins to ask pre-screening questions related to medical history, diet, and current medications. These questions must be answered truthfully to provide the orthopedic surgeon with all the knowledge they need to perform a successful procedure. It is recommended that patients abstain from taking medicine, even routine over-the-counter medication, for as much as a few weeks prior to surgery.
The day before surgery is important. The patient not eat or drink for as many as six to twelve hours before the procedure begins. They should also have already filled any necessary prescriptions that will be required after the diagnostic arthroscopy is complete. The procedure begins with the application of anesthesia, either local, regional, or general. Those who stay awake during their procedure will not feel any pain and may choose to watch the procedure being performed on the monitor.
Once the patient is relaxed, the orthopedic surgeon will make the first of several small incisions in the knee. Sterile saline will be pumped into the knee to expand the region and increase visibility for the surgeon. Next, the arthroscope is introduced through one of the incisions. The surgeon can maneuver it to get a better look at the inside of the knee, and if any minor issues are identified, arthroscopic instruments may be inserted through one or more of the other incisions to fix the problem. Once the surgeon has enough information to form a diagnosis, the saline will be drained from the knee and the incisions will be stitched closed. All in all, this is a relatively low-risk procedure that can help surgeons identify knee-related issues with ease.
What are the Risks?
Although diagnostic arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique, there are some minor risks involved with this type of surgery, including excessive blood loss during the procedure, infection at the surgical site, and anesthesia-related breathing problems. Furthermore, some individuals may suffer an allergic reaction to anesthesia; however, this is always a risk during surgeries that require anesthesia to be administered. Risks related specifically to diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee may differ from other arthroscopic applications. For example, patients may experience excessive bleeding inside the knee joint, the formation of blood clots in the affected leg, infection of the joint, knee tightness, or injury to the nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and cartilage of the knee. Occasionally, damage to the meniscus may also occur as a result of surgery.
How is the Recovery Process?
As is the case with most forms of arthroscopic surgery, patients need not undergo an extended hospitalization to make a full recovery. In fact, after the surgery has been completed, patients typically spend one to two hours resting in the recovery room before checking out and heading home. One of the main benefits of diagnostic arthroscopy (and most forms of arthroscopic surgery) is faster recovery times than traditional procedures requiring larger incisions. Those who follow their medical provider’s instructions closely are highly likely to make a full recovery.
Of course, patients will experience some pain after surgery. This is nothing to be concerned about. The body is sore from surgery, so it’s going to have something to say about it! Medications can be used to control pain during the recovery process, but opioid use should be monitored closely to prevent the chance of an addiction forming. Other important aspects of the recovery process include elevating the leg to mitigate swelling, keeping the surgical site clean and dry, utilizing crutches to avoid placing weight on the affected leg, and taking part in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The length of recovery varies from person to person, but most are pleased to hear that they can resume driving in one to three weeks and taking part in physical activities in as little as six to eight week.