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Knee Arthroscopy

Anatomical Overview

Knee Atroscopy Operation

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of knee injuries. The knee is the largest joint in the body comprising of the femur, tibia, and patella. The knee joint is lined with articular cartilage, which absorbs shock and provides a smooth surface for movement. It is surrounded by a capsule that contains synovial fluid, a lubricant that ensures smooth motion by reducing friction within the joint.

The knee is prone to injuries affecting the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other key structures that support its movement. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose issues like a torn meniscus or a misaligned patella (kneecap). It can also be used to repair ligaments that may be torn or damaged, restoring function and alleviating pain within the joint. Knee arthroscopy is recommended when painful symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments.

Through small incisions, surgeons insert a tiny camera to visualize the joint and perform treatments such as cartilage repair or ligament reconstruction. The advantage of arthroscopy is that it avoids the need for large cuts, reducing the trauma to surrounding soft tissues, speeding up recovery, and minimizing the risk complications as compared to traditional open surgery.

Who are the eligible candidates for knee arthroscopy?

Ideal candidates for knee arthroscopy are individuals with a torn meniscus, where the cartilage cushioning the knee may need repair or removal. Patients with ligament injuries like a damaged ACL or PCL also benefit from this procedure. Knee arthroscopy is effective for addressing inflamed or damaged synovium, correcting kneecap misalignment, or removing loose cartilage fragments that may cause discomfort. Knee arthroscopy can also treat Baker cysts, fluid-filled swellings behind the knee often linked to arthritis. It is also used to repair cartilage defects or stabilize fractures in the knee.

How is knee artroscopy performed?

Knee arthroscopy is performed to diagnose and treat various knee issues, such as torn ligaments, damaged meniscus, or issues with the cartilage. This surgery lasts less than an hour depending on the findings and the necessary treatment.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Prior to arriving in Turkey for surgery, patients may be advised to undergo physical therapy beforehand to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend consulting with your primary doctor to assess your general health and identify any potential complications that could impact your surgery. For patients with underlying health issues, a more comprehensive evaluation might be needed to ensure safety.
For a thorough pre-surgical evaluation, we kindly request that you send your medical reports along with imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs (if available). It is highly recommended to stop smoking before the surgery as it can significantly slow the healing process.
Inform your orthopedic surgeon about all medications or supplements you are currently taking, as certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen, may need to be discontinued before the procedure. Preoperative tests such as blood tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Once the tests are completed, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, who will conduct a physical examination and provide a final assessment based on the findings from the radiology tests and discuss the best course of action for your treatment plan.

Types of Anaesthesia

Knee arthroscopy can be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia. With general anaesthesia, the patient is fully unconscious and unaware during the procedure. It is often preferred for longer and more complex surgeries. Regional anaesthesia, also known as spinal or epidural anaesthesia, is used to numb the lower half of your body while keeping you awake. With local anaesthesia, the surgeon injects anaesthetic directly into the knee area, numbing only the surgical site. This is typically used for minor procedures and may be combined with sedation to help you relax. Your healthcare team will evaluate your medical history, procedure details, and personal preferences to determine the most suitable type of anaesthesia for your knee arthroscopy.

Techniques for the Operation

After being moved to the operating room, anaesthesia will be administered. To reduce the risk of infection, your knee will be cleaned and the area covered with draping, leaving the incision site exposed. For stability and precise maneuvering during the arthroscopy, a positioning device may be secured to your leg, helping the surgeon maintain control and optimize the surgical approach. A tourniquet might be used to reduce blood loss during surgery.
The procedure begins with the surgeon making a few small incisions, known as portals, around your knee. These allow access to the joint for surgical instruments and the arthroscope, a small camera. A sterile solution is filled in the joint, flushing out cloudy fluid, and inflating the knee thus enabling the surgeon to view the knee’s internal structures only.
Your surgeon will insert the arthroscope into your knee to closely examine the joint. The image from the arthroscope is projected onto a screen, enabling precise navigation. If surgical intervention is necessary, additional small incisions are made to insert specialized instruments for various tasks such as shaving damaged tissue, cutting, grasping, or repairing the meniscus. In cases requiring more complex repairs, such as stitching, special devices are employed to securely anchor the sutures into the bone.
To conclude the procedure, your surgeon drains the saline from your joint and each incision is closed using a stitch or steri- strips, a small adhesive strip designed to aid in healing. A soft bandage is wrapped around your knee to provide comfort and protection. A specialized post-operative brace may be applied to ensure the area remains stable in cases where the surgery involves a repair or reconstruction that requires additional care such as safeguarding the joint during recovery.

Recovery Facts with Knee Artroscopy Operation

Consult your surgeon about when you can resume activities. In most cases, patients are able to resume desk work and light activity within a few days after surgery, with driving possible between 1 to 4 weeks. More intense activities such as sports or exercise will be safe a few weeks after that. Keep in mind that each person’s recovery is unique, the timeline depends on individual circumstances.

Key Recovery Points with Knee Artroscopy Operation

• Avoid putting pressure on the affected leg for the initial recovery period. Use crutches or a walker to move around to reduce strain on your knee.
• Rest your leg in an elevated position, ensuring your knee is above heart level to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Keep the surgical incisions covered with bandages to ensure they remain clean and dry.
• Pain and swelling are common after knee surgery, your doctor may recommend NSAIDs or stronger prescription pain relievers.
• Recovery after knee arthroscopy depends on the problem treated. Issues like a torn meniscus or Baker cyst often heal quickly, with many patients remaining active. Repairs and reconstructions involve longer recovery times.
• After you knee has had time to heal, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help rebuild strength and improve mobility. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to enhance flexibility, strengthen supportive muscles, and restore normal knee function.
• We provide regular follow-ups to our patients for 6 months up to a year even for patients who have returned to their countries. It is critical that patients contact us first about any complications during recovery before seeking help from any other specialists.

Benefits of having knee arthroscopy in Turkey

Turkey stands out as a premier destination for medical tourism offering a unique combination of top-tier healthcare and cost-effective treatment options. For patients seeking to have their knee arthroscopy surgery in Turkey, here is what makes it a preferred choice for patients worldwide:

Turkish orthopedic specialists are trained in advanced surgical techniques and are well-versed in handling complex cases including the knee arthroscopy surgery.
Turkey’s private hospitals feature modern operating rooms and the latest medical technologies, ensuring safety and precision in every procedure.
One of the most appealing aspects of seeking surgery in Turkey is the affordability.
Turkish medical staff are renowned for their attentiveness, ensuring every patient receives a tailored recovery plan. Whether through regular follow-ups or customized physiotherapy sessions, the focus is always on holistic recovery.
The recovery experience in Turkey is designed to optimize healing, with orthopedic treatments complemented by specialized physiotherapy programs that ensure a faster and more effective recovery after surgery.

How much Does a Knee Artroscopy cost in Turkey?

When it comes to choosing the right clinic for your surgery, there are a few critical factors to consider. With the overwhelming number of commercial advertisements and social media sales pitches, it can be overwhelming to find a clinic that meets all your needs. What key criteria should guide your decision-making process? These criteria can be outlined as follows;

Honest medical advice that is free from commercial interests.
A clinic that builds a rapport with the patient to understand their concerns and manage their expectations with genuine interest.
A clinic that prioritizes the patient’s well-being and safety, providing a secure, supportive environment throughout the treatment process.

A realistic price estimate for treatment should be based on careful consideration of the following factors:

The clinic’s professional reputation, which reflects its experience and expertise in handling similar cases.
The specific nature of the procedure and the complexity involved, which can affect both the cost and the level of care required.
The credentials of the surgeon as well as the quality of the after-care services.
Transparent and impartial terms and conditions, where clinical liabilities are clearly outlined, ensuring that both parties are fully informed and legally protected in the right legislative framework.

Knee arthroscopy prices in Turkey can vary depending on several factors as outlined above. While the cost is often a deciding factor for seeking surgery abroad, focusing solely on price without verifying if the clinic meets essential criteria could result in irreversible complications and higher long-term costs. At Prospero medical, we adopt a transparent pricing policy, breaking down every service component to ensure our patients make fully informed decisions about their surgical treatments. Our goal is to offer a pricing structure that reflects the quality of medical service, the qualifications of our surgeons, and the extensive experience in our field, along with the overall quality of after-care services provided at our clinic.

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