Knee Arthroscopy
Are you experiencing pain in your knee? If so, you may be a candidate for a knee arthroscopy procedure. Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to both diagnose and treat a variety of knee injuries. Knee surgeon, Dr. Nikhil Verma provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Chicago who have developed knee pain. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
An Overview on Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a common knee treatment that offers an orthopedic surgeon an accurate view of the inside of the knee. Arthroscopic knee surgery allows Dr. Nikhil Verma, Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area orthopedic knee surgeon, to use a small camera and special surgical instruments to view and repair damaged tissue, ligaments and other knee structures following a knee injury.
During knee arthroscopy, Dr. Verma utilizes small holes to enter the knee joint and inspect the area with the camera, called an arthroscope. Following the inspection, he will then use the special surgical instruments to repair the damaged knee in great detail.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to treat a wide number of knee injuries, including:
- Meniscus repair
- Torn or damaged ligaments
- Articular cartilage defects
- Knee fractures
- Joint preservation for osteoarthritis
Recovery and Rehabilitation after Knee Arthroscopy
The majority of knee arthroscopy procedures are performed on an out-patient basis under general anesthesia. Recovery from this surgical procedure is much quicker than recovery from a traditional open knee surgery for most patients. Even though recovery is quicker, it is critical to follow post-operative and rehabilitation guidelines provided by Dr. Verma and his orthopedic team.
After the procedure, patients can expect some degree of pain, swelling and general discomfort in the knee joint. Dr. Verma recommends the use of ice packs to alleviate pain and swelling. Patients will receive pain medication in most cases, and are expected to follow dosage instructions.
Patients will leave the medical facility with a dress covering the knee. The dressing must be kept clean and dry following the arthroscopic knee surgery. Dr. Verma will inform all patients when they are able to bathe, shower and change or remove the dressing. The sutures are absorbable so they do not need to be removed in the majority of patients.
Dr. Verma recommends all patients begin their rehabilitation program as directed, the same day in certain cases. The rehabilitation process is critical to success following knee arthroscopy. Dr. Verma and his team will provide all patients with a detailed outline of the rehabilitation program to help strengthen the knee and increase range of motion. Many patients will need crutches or assistance after the procedure. Dr. Verma and his team will determine the correct time for weight bearing activities and exercises following surgery.
Patients should be able to return to most physical activities after six to eight weeks, or sometimes much sooner. Ligament reconstructions take longer than six to eight weeks in most cases.
For more resources on arthroscopic knee surgery, or to determine if you are a candidate for knee arthroscopy, please contact the office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, knee surgeon in the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area.
