General Information
DEFINITION--Removal of injured cartilage in the knee. Usually, injury has
resulted from a torn ligament.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Knee and all its parts.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Prevention of permanent damage to the knee joint.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Recent or chronic illness.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Orthopedist.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of both knees.
- After surgery: X-rays of affected knee; blood studies.
ANESTHESIA
- Spinal anesthesia by injection.
- General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the
windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- The affected area can be approached by arthroscopy (See Glossary) or by incision into the knee joint. Either
approach exposes the injured cartilage.
- The cartilage is removed with forceps or suction. Any injured ligaments are sewn
together.
- The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week
after surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Weakened knee joint.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--6 to 8 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete recovery without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of
deep--
vein blood clots.
- When sleeping or sitting, keep the affected leg elevated with pillows under the foot or
blocks under the bed.
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Use crutches or a cane to walk as directed by your doctor. Don't stand for prolonged
periods. > Avoid vigorous exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. A physical therapist can
teach you exercises that will restore strength to the knee. > Resume driving 3 weeks
after returning home.
DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a
well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- Toes become cold, discolored or numb.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You experience nausea or vomiting.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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