Arthroscopy of the knee joint - an effective therapeutic and diagnostic technique

Arthroscopy of the knee joint is a surgical procedure widely used in modern traumatology. The peculiarity of this technique is that it can pursue not only therapeutic and surgical purposes, but diagnostic ones. Thanks to the rapid development of medical technologies, in virtually all clinics patients are now available arthroscopy of the knee joint. The cost of it is also quite acceptable. Among the main advantages of this surgical procedure, specialists emphasize that after its carrying out there are practically no appreciable scars or scars, and this has not only a purely aesthetic aspect, but also contributes to the fastest recovery and rehabilitation of the patient.

Arthroscopy of the knee joint is a minimally invasive surgical operation that allows a sufficient visualization of the damaged cavity. In addition to purely diagnostic tasks, in the process of this procedure, the necessary manipulations of the therapeutic direction are also carried out. To date, arthroscopy of the knee joint is the most delicate operation among all orthopedic and traumatological procedures of this kind. According to its medical and surgical capabilities, it is not inferior to traditional open surgical interventions, and in many cases even significantly exceeds them. Now arthroscopy of the knee joint is actively used by leading clinics of the world as the most progressive and low-traumatic technique. Already it is safe to say that the times of the scalpel and rough cuts have ended in this branch of medicine, in place of which came the arthroscope and point punctures, leaving virtually no traces.

The essence of the method is as follows. After local anesthesia, the patient is placed on the operating table in the supine position. This position allows the surgeon to examine in detail the damaged articular region. Then a special pneumatic tourniquet of hemostatic action is applied to the operated extremity. It will ensure the quality clamping of the vessels during the operation by means of compression, which greatly simplifies the surgical procedure and makes it safer. A decrease in the intensity of bleeding provides greater clarity of visualization of the knee cavity.

Before the surgical intervention, the operating field is carefully treated with an antiseptic, which is often a solution of iodine, which avoids possible infection of the wound. Then under the patella a small incision is made, more like a puncture. Through it, an arthroscope is inserted into the articular cavity, connected to a video camera. The optical tube itself has a diameter of 4.5 mm. With the built-in miniature video camera, the image of the internal structure of the joint goes to the monitor. This allows the surgeon immediately to inspect the articular cavity and to identify all pathological changes in the cartilage, ligaments and meniscuses. Arthroscopic picture makes it possible right in the course of the operation to clarify the diagnosis and make the necessary correction of the damaged areas.

Damaged fragments, such as cartilages, are removed using high-precision tools that allow you to remove the thinnest layers of the injured or inflamed area. After the end of this procedure, the joint cavity is thoroughly washed with a special irrigation solution. Then each of the incisions is sewn with one stitch and sealed with a medical plaster.

Arthroscopy of the knee joint (the reviews confirm this) is characterized by a short period of postoperative rehabilitation, the duration of which, however, depends on many different factors. For example, on how complex surgical procedures were performed, on the vastness of pathological changes and traumatized areas, and also on their nature. But most patients go home the same day. In particularly difficult cases, there is a possibility of moderately painful sensations, inflammation of the joint and its lack of mobility over a period of time.

In rare cases, even crutches may be needed for a period of one to five days. Absolute rest, the elevated position of the operated limb, various physiotherapeutic procedures that are prescribed according to individual indications will also be useful. In addition, during the postoperative period it is desirable to avoid physical exertion.