Knee Arthroscopy

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ARTHROSCOPY OF THE KNEE

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a frequently performed procedure for diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving problems of the joint surface (true cartilage), menisci, and ligaments within the knee. The most common reasons that I carry out this procedure is for meniscal tears, cartilage clean ups, and for the assessment of the knee for more complex procedures such as osteotomies, and joint replacement.

Results of arthroscopic surgery are dependent on what is found within the knee, although most patients will be back at work after 2 weeks.
Complications are rare, and include infection in about 1 in 500, thrombosis about 1 in 1000. It is normal to have pain and swelling around the incisions, which can take up to 3 months to settle. Occasionally an area of numbness on the outside aspect of the knee is experienced. This usually resolves within 3 months, but in very rare cases may persist.

Initial appointment

When we have agreed that you are suitable for knee arthroscopy you will be provided with printed information. Further information can be found on this website. I will consent you for the procedure and in most instances be able to give you the date of your surgery. Investigations will be arranged as necessary and may include:

Radiology:
adequate up-to-date Xrays of the knee. MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. I may also ask for a chest Xray, which may be required by the anaesthetist.

Blood tests:
routine blood tests include a blood count to exclude anaemia and that you have adequate platelets; and electrolytes. Further blood tests may be requested depending on the presence of other medical problems.

Cardiology:
a tracing of the heart may be done for anaesthetic safety. Further cardiology tests may be required if you have any pre-existing heart conditions.

Anaesthetic

The anaesthetists I work with are usually Drs Harper, Thompson, White and Crossley. They will contact you by phone before the surgery, to discuss the anaesthetic. Sometimes they will arrange to see you if necessary. Occasionally, we will arrange for you to see another specialist in order to optimize your medical condition before the surgery.

Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE)

Thrombosis is an abnormal formation of solid blood constituents within the veins. This can move into the lung where it is called a pulmonary embolus. DVT or PE are very rare after arthroscopy as you are immediately mobile, and the surgery is very short. Prevention of these conditions is controversial, but I assess all my patients for risk of DVT/PE.

The day of surgery

You will normally be admitted through the day case unit, where the nurses will prepare you for surgery. You will need to have not eaten food for 6 hours before surgery and not drank water for more than 2 hours before surgery.

Patient information for ARTHROSCOPY OF THE KNEE

You have been booked for an Arthroscopy and Mr. Gohil has given both verbal and written information. Please read these and if you have any questions contact us.

This is usually a day procedure so you will be admitted on the day of surgery to the day unit, and be going home on the same day.

Tests
You have been given forms for investigation. These need to be completed at least 2 days before your surgery. If you are having X-rays, please bring these and any relevant CT’s and MRI’s with you on the day of surgery. The results of your blood tests and ECG (if requested) will be sent to us.

Anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist will be Dr. Harper, Dr.Crossley, Dr. White or Dr. Thompson, who will contact you by telephone before the day of surgery to explain about the anaesthetic. They will see you on the day of surgery in the hospital.

Admission
You will be contacted by admissions a day prior to surgery to confirm the surgery and time of admission. You need to be fasting (no food) for 6 hours prior to surgery and nothing to drink for 2 hours prior.

What to bring
-   All your X-rays and other scans ordered (e.g. CT / MRI)
-   All your medication
-   Change of clothes with comfortable non-slip flat shoes
-   Please arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and you may need some help at home for a couple of days.
-
After the surgery
Usually you will be discharged home unless you are unwell from the anaesthetic. A physiotherapist will review in the day unit and if necessary arrange for outpatient physio.
There will be a pressure dressing on the knee and this needs to remain on for 72 hours. The waterproof dressings can then be changed to a clean waterproof dressing, then changed every third day if required. The incisions should be covered for 2 weeks until seen in the clinic.
You will usually be off work for 2 weeks but can drive after 2 or 3 days following the procedure.

What to expect following the procedure
Swelling is common but will resolve by 3 or 4 weeks. If there is increased swelling or calf pain +/- you have a temperature please see your doctor.
I usually prescribe an anti-inflammatory to help settle the swelling.
Pain is common for several days and you will be given pain relief on discharge, and you may need to get a further prescription if required.
Bleeding- there will be some blood on the dressing. Keep the leg elevated when resting.

Follow up
You will be contacted with a follow up appointment to discuss the findings of the procedure.

Contacts
Rooms on 0893121135

Further information is available on our website: www.orthopaedicswa.com.au

Make an appointment with Mr Satyen Gohil.

Please get in touch with us by completing the form here or alternatively you can contact us by fax or phone at the numbers below. We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

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Practices

St John of God Hospital Murdoch
Suite 15, lvl 1, Wexford Medical Centre
3 Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch WA 6150

Mount Hospital
Suite 51, lvl 5, 146 Mounts Bay Road
Perth WA 6000

Contact

T: (08) 9312 1135
M: 0428 585 601
F: (08) 9332 1187

www.orthopaedicswa.com.au silvana@orthopaedicswa.com.au