When would I need knee surgery?
Surgery is the last resort when it comes to treating most knee conditions. But if you still have pain and limited movement after conservative treatment, your provider talks with you about surgery to repair the problem inside your joint.
There are a few exceptions, however. Some knee injuries need surgery right away to ensure the tissues heal properly and regain optimum strength.
You may need prompt surgical repair for:
- ACL and other ligament tears
- Meniscal tears
- Knee fractures
- Tendon ruptures
- Kneecap dislocation
People with advanced osteoarthritis also reach the point where surgery is the only treatment left to get rid of their pain and restore normal movement.
When can I have arthroscopic knee surgery?
In most cases, your surgeon at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP, can repair your knee using a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, they make one tiny incision and use a slim instrument called an arthroscope.
The arthroscope holds a light and camera. After your surgeon inserts it through the incision and into the joint, the camera sends magnified images to a monitor. These enhanced images allow your surgeon to examine the joint, diagnose problems, and perform surgery.
To repair the tissues, they make another small incision and insert narrow surgical tools through that opening. During arthroscopy, your surgeon can:
- Repair tendons
- Reconstruct ligaments
- Repair or remove a torn meniscus
- Transplant cartilage
- Remove bone spurs and loose bodies in the joint
- Remove inflamed, damaged, or infected tissues
Arthroscopic surgery causes minimal trauma to your body. As a result, you have less bleeding during the procedure, much less post-op pain, and you recover faster.
What should I expect during recovery from knee surgery?
After arthroscopic surgery, most people start walking right away and go home in a few hours. You use an assistive device like crutches to keep the weight off your knee while it heals.
One of the best ways to accelerate your recovery is to start exercising right away, but it’s also important to follow your provider’s exercise instructions. As you move the joint, circulation increases, which helps to reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
You have an easy exercise routine to follow at home and you start structured physical therapy as soon as your provider determines it’s safe for your knee. You should be ready to return to most activities in 6-8 weeks.
