Knee Arthroscopy: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

• Arthroscopic procedures are done on the outpatient basis.
• The patient should have a complete idea about the procedure and should ask the surgeon to clarify the doubts associated with the surgery.
• Medical evaluation will be done well before the surgery. It typically includes physical examination, diagnostic tests, and clinical parameters.
• The past medical and medication history should be discussed with the surgeon before the procedure.
• The patient should not have food or water at least eight hours before the surgery.
• A sedative may be administered to reduce anxiety and help the patient relax before the surgery.

First, the surgeon administers anaesthesia. The anaesthesia could be general, local, or spinal, depending on the purpose of the surgery. General anaesthesia causes unconsciousness, local anaesthetic makes area around the knee numb and spinal anaesthetic results in numbness in the lower part of the body.

An incision is made on the knee and then sterile or saline water is injected through the incision to cause expansion. During the surgery, pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored.

The surgical site is cleaned with an antiseptic and an incision is made in the area. The arthroscope is then inserted through the incision into the joint, and the images of the joint are produced on the monitor allowing the surgeon to see the internal structure of the knee.

Other incisions are made to insert the surgical tools and the arthroscopic knee surgery is performed. The saline and water are drained from the knee after the procedure. The incision is closed with sutures.

The patient is discharged from the hospital as soon as he or she is comfortable walking with the help of crutches. In many cases, the patient is discharged on the same or the next day of the surgery.

Knee arthroscopy recovery time is minimal and the patient is able to recover within a few days. An Ace bandage is applied to the surgical site after the surgery to reduce swelling and pain in the leg. The wound should be kept clean and dry and the surgeon should be notified if continuous drainage is seen or if body temperature is elevated.

Recovery Duration post-Knee-Arthroscopic Surgery

Based on the type of surgery and procedure, specific instructions regarding physical exercises are given to the client. Medication regimen should be followed strictly to ensure minimal knee arthroscopy recovery time and the physician should be notified if you take any new medication.

Swelling and pain can be relieved by application of the ice and elevating the lower extremity. Physical exercises should be performed as recommended by the physiotherapist as it helps increase the range of motion.

Knee Arthroscopy Risks

• Excessive bleeding
• Breathing problems associated with anaesthesia
• Allergic reactions
• Infection at the site of surgery 

Cost of Knee Arthroscopy in India

The cost of arthroscopic knee surgery in India is one of the lowest in the world. This is the reason why so many patients from abroad prefer to come to India for knee arthroscopy.

The difference in the cost of arthroscopic knee surgery in India and the Western countries is quite huge. It is estimated that a patient from abroad saves more than half of their money by choosing India over any other country for knee arthroscopic surgery.

The cost of arthroscopic surgery, however, depends on several factors. Some of these factors that dictate arthroscopic knee surgery cost in India and abroad include the following:

• The choice of hospital
• The level of machinery used
• Cost of medicine and other consumables
• Cost of crutches, if provided by the hospital
• Cost of treatment of complications, if any
• Hospital charges
• Anesthesia cost