Knee Arthroscopy
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Knee Arthroscopy in Melbourne Overview
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows orthopaedic surgeons to view the knee joint without making a large incision through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon can use these images to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are small, we can use very small incisions, rather than a larger incision needed for open surgery. This results in less pain, less joint stiffness, and a shorter recovery time.
Your surgeon may recommend knee arthroscopy surgery if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation. Knee arthroscopy surgery in Melbourne may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.
Common arthroscopic procedures for the knee include:
- Torn meniscus surgery or removal
- Reconstruction of a torn ligaments
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Trimming of damaged articular cartilage
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
- Clearing/Removal of tight bands/scar tissue
Different types of Meniscal Tears and how they are managed.
Typical arthroscopic pictures demonstrating the inside of the knee, with a meniscal tear (red arrow), and the use of a shaver (blue arrow) to remove damaged meniscal tissue, leaving stable healthy meniscus (green arrow)
If your meniscus tear is large and in good quality, then it may be able to be repaired.
Reasons for Knee Arthroscopy in Melbourne
Knee arthroscopy surgery can be used for three different purposes: to diagnose and find the cause of joint problems, to check on the health of your knee joints, or to repair joint damage. You might be recommended to a Melbourne knee clinic if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and other measures have been unable to diagnose the problem:
- Joint pain
- Knee joints locking or giving way
- Swelling or Bakers cyst
- Stiffness
- catching in the knee
Knee arthroscopy surgery is also used as a treatment method for injuries such as:
- Damaged cartilage
- Torn ligaments
- Kneecap problems
- Inflamed tissue
If you believe you could benefit from knee arthroscopy, consult with your GP who will be able to refer you to a knee arthroscopy surgeon in Melbourne. Read More
Find a Highly Qualified Knee Arthroscopy Surgeon in Melbourne
If you have a knee injury and are seeking relief, look no further than Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists, located in Fitzroy, Melbourne. With five-star reviews across the board, we're uniquely equipped to provide treatments for knee arthroscopy in Melbourne.
Our focus is on innovation, meaning that we can implement new and cutting-edge treatments that maximise comfort while minimising recovery time. The knee is the largest joint in the body, as well as considerably complex, meaning it's important to take a delicate approach when diagnosing and fulfilling arthroscopic treatments.
But what exactly is arthroscopy surgery? It is a minimally invasive surgery for those suffering from a painful knee condition that fails to improve from nonsurgical treatments (such as medication or physical therapies). Arthroscopy allows a surgeon to make a small incision, inspect the knee joint, and treat it accordingly. For example, the surgeon may reconstruct the surrounding ligament or tissue. Alternatively, they may remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage.
Therefore, it's important to find a highly experienced surgeon who will be able to offer an acute response to your knee condition. Here at Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists, we're proud to employ a selection of the most qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Victoria. As well as having a comprehensive well of knowledge and experience, our surgeons offer an unwaveringly customer-focused approach.
Convenient, Customer-Focused Knee Arthroscopy Surgery in Melbourne
What does customer-focused knee arthroscopy surgery mean, exactly? To us, it means complete support end-to-end, starting from your first appointment. Through your recovery, we will support you with bespoke advice and recommendations to ensure that you receive the full benefits of your surgery. Knee surgery - such as arthroscopic surgery can seem like an intimidating prospect, but we can provide peace of mind.
Here's a brief overview of our process: before treatment, one of our highly-trained specialists will discuss all aspects of the treatment, enabling you to make a fully informed decision about your well-being. During treatment, we'll put your health and comfort first (while deploying the most innovative treatment techniques where appropriate). Afterwards, we'll collaborate with you to create an individual treatment plan, as we recognise how grating it is to be prescribed treatment without your input.
This patient-centric approach applies to a range of surgeries, each designed to address specific needs:
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure for precise inspection and treatment.
- Cyst Removal: Extraction of cysts causing discomfort and limiting knee function.
- Meniscus Tear Surgery: Surgical repair or removal of torn meniscus, aiming to enhance knee stability.
- Robotic Knee Replacement: Utilising advanced technology for precise and personalised joint replacement.
- ACL Surgery: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, with the goal to improve knee stability.
- Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: Targeted replacement of specific knee components, aiming to preserve healthy tissue.
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery: Comprehensive joint replacement for severe degeneration.
Our surgery has received glowing reviews from our customers, with our surgeons being described as 'thorough, clear and conservative', as well as 'easy to talk to'. Furthermore, customers have described our clinic as 'a pleasure to deal with', noting most importantly that 'I feel truly valued and looked after.'
So come and try it for yourself. Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists is proud to set a new standard for orthopaedic care, and you won't be disappointed.
What You Need to Know about Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
There are multiple options for knee arthroscopy & surgery in Melbourne. If you'd like to speak to one of our specialists or discover more about our services, please send us an email at admin@vbjs.com.au or phone us on (03) 5752 5020.
Read LessPreparing for Knee Arthroscopy Surgery in Melbourne
If you need to have knee arthroscopy surgery in Melbourne, there is some preparation to be done. Since this is not a big surgery like a total knee replacement, you may not always need to perform physiotherapy to prepare. However, you should make some precautions for your recovery:
- Be aware that you will likely use crutches afterwards
- If possible, try to ensure you won't need to use stairs at home
- Make sure you have someone to drive you home after surgery, as you will be unable to drive while recovering
- Take some time off work
Knee Arthroscopy Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
After your knee arthroscopy surgery in Melbourne, you will be moved to the recovery room and you should be able to go home on the day of surgery. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home and check on you that first evening. After surgery, you will feel some discomfort and swelling in your knee which will settle over a few days. This is a natural part of the healing process.
Your leg may swell after surgery, and you should keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery.
Pain Relief
You will be discharged home on a combination of paracetamol(Panadol), and anti-inflammatory (Celebrex/Naproxen) and other breakthrough pain relief (Endone/Palexia). If your pain is not managed with these medications, other medications will be prescribed to keep you comfortable.
Dressings/Wounds
You will leave the hospital with a large bandage covering your knee. There are 2 small plastic dressings underneath this bandage covering your surgical sites. In 2 days you can unwrap the outer bandage to leave the inner dressings intact.
Keep your plastic dressings clean and dry. You can normally have a shower with the knee covered in a plastic bag.
Risks and Complications
The complication rate after arthroscopic surgery is very low. If complications occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily. Possible postoperative problems with knee arthroscopy include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Knee stiffness
- Accumulation of blood in the knee
If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms please contact us:
+ Fever
+ Heavy bleeding or ooze from the wound
+ Increased swelling and redness around the surgery site
+ Pain in the calf muscles or difficulty breathing
Should you have any concerns, please contact us at Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists on 03 5752 5020.
FAQs Surrounding Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
When can I walk after knee arthroscopy?
Full weight-bearing and walking is allowed immediately after surgery. We get all patients mobilising Day 1 after their operation on crutches. Most people will walk independently by one week postoperatively. Occasionally your surgeon will recommend partial weight bearing or brace use depending upon the arthroscopic procedure performed.
When can I drive after knee arthroscopy?
You should not drive for at least 48 hours after an anaesthetic. After 48 hours, your ability to drive will depend on the side you had your operation, left or right, the type of vehicle you drive, manual or automatic and what type of pain relief you are taking. It is generally reasonable to drive when you are confident with walking and can fully weight-bear on your affected side.
When can I work after knee arthroscopy?
Your return to work will vary depending on the procedure performed and type of work you are engaged in. Most people can return to office work within a week. More strenuous manual work may require you to take longer before returning to full duties.
When can I play sports after knee arthroscopy?
Low impact activities, such as cycling and swimming, can be commenced from week 2. High impact activities, such as running, or excessive twisting such as during tennis or golf will be guided at your post-operative visit.
How long will I take to heal after knee arthroscopy?
The wounds take 7-10 days to heal. Most patients improve dramatically in the first 2 weeks. Occasionally, there are periods where the knee may become sore and then settle again. This is part of the normal healing process.
