Knee Arthroscopy FAQ section is intended to provide you with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Knee Arthroscopy and Arthroscopic Surgery.

Diagnosing joint injuries and disease begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Sometimes X-rays and laboratory tests are required to help diagnose the problem. Further diagnosis using arthroscopy may be required because it gives a precise, direct view of the affected bones and soft tissues (including the ligaments and cartilage).

Disease and injuries can damage bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Some of the most frequent conditions found during diagnostic arthroscopic examination of the joints are:

• torn or abnormal cartilage
• torn ligaments
• loose fragments of bone or cartilage
• damage joint surfaces
• inflammation of joint lining
• misaligned bones ( such as the kneecap).

Even though the inside of most joints can be viewed with the arthroscope , only a few joints are frequently examined with this procedure. The knee is by far, the most common joint examined. Others include the shoulder, ankle, hip and wrist. As advances are made by engineers in electronic technology and new surgical techniques are developed by orthopaedic surgeons, other joints may be viewed and treated with arthroscopy in the future.

Patients will be provided a discharge instructions sheet provided by the surgeon that instructs patients on how to look after their wounds, what activities they should avoid, and which exercises they should do to aid in their recovery. At a follow-up visit the surgeon will inspect the incisions, remove sutures, and discuss the rehabilitation program.

The amount of surgery required and recovery time will depend on the joint problem. Recovery time varies markedly from patient to patient. Not all arthroscopies are the same. Occasionally, during arthroscopy, the surgeon will discover that the disease or injury cannot be treated adequately by arthroscopic surgery alone. The condition may require more extensive "open" operation. This additional surgery may be performed while the patient is still anaesthetized, or at a later date after the surgeon and patient have discussed the findings.

Although uncommon, complications do occur occasionally during or following diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy. They include infection, phlebitis ( inflammation of a vein), excessive swelling or bleeding, blood clots, and damage to blood vessels and nerves. On rare occasions, the small instruments break during the operation. There are also risks associated with the anaesthetic, both during its administration and after the arthroscopy.

It is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and others who are in good physical condition may in some cases return to athletic activities within a few weeks. Patients may have varied diagnosis and pre-existing diseases making each patients recovery time unique.

Some swelling is to be expected and it may actually increase gradually for the first two to three days. If the bandage feels tight you should re-apply it more lightly and elevate the leg to reduce the swelling.

Apply ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours may help to reduce the swelling and act as pain relief as required. If it persist contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.

Exercises are very important, as most of the knee's strength comes from the muscles surrounding it and not from the tendons or ligaments. You will not harm the knee by doing strengthening exercises as recommended by your surgeon or physiotherapist. These should be performed according to directions.

Any sport that involves significant weight-bearing stresses or twisting movements must be avoided until approved by your surgeon. Although cartilage and ligament repair often results in a near normal knee, the knee does have an increased likelihood of developing arthritis in the long term, so extreme weight-bearing activities need to be modified. Exercises that have less impact on knees include swimming, cycling and walking.

It is important that you follow your surgeons instructions with regards to exercising the knee to avoid complications of stiffness in the knee. Exercises are very important, as most of the knee's strength comes from the muscles surrounding it and not from the tendons or ligaments. You will not harm the knee by doing strengthening exercises as recommended by your surgeon or physiotherapist. These should be performed according to directions.