Knee arthroscopy surgeries are performed due to a variety of causes, very frequently following a meniscus tear, found inside of the knee. A tear in the meniscus provokes knee pain, accumulation of fluids in the knee, restriction of the knee’s range of motion, and sometimes even a “knee-locking”.
The received image is enlarged, transmitted and projected over a TV screen, and it allows the surgeon to see on the screen the picture of the entire lesioned knee, including the meniscus tear, with minimal involvement and damage to the surrounding tissues, or to the tissues inside of the knee. This medical technology allows the surgeon today to treat lesions, including a meniscus tear, using an arthroscopy technique, instead of an open surgery, where a larger incision to the skin and the surrounding tissues of the knee is performed.
The arthroscopic treatment to knee lesions is made through an additional similar minuscule cut, through which it is possible to insert into the knee delicate surgical tools, with which and whilst using the images projected on the TV screen, it is possible to resolve and to heal the other knee injuries, without the need of an open surgery, and usually without further incisions.
After the surgery, in which the meniscus tear is treated, it is generally advisable, that the patient returns to a full weight bearing walk on the operated limb, whilst applying ordinary load on the leg already on the day of the intervention, without the use of crouches.
It is also advisable to the patient to immediately start moving the knee to the maximal range of motions, using the maximal velocity possible. This self-exercise includes motions to full extension and full flexion of the knee, voluntarily and in an initiated manner.
The return to an active life is not solely the goal of every patient on the verge of a knee surgery, but rather in this kind of minimally-invasive intervention, it constitutes also an important part of the post-op treatment. Maintaining these guidelines will not only allow the patient to return to an active life within a short period of time, but it is also important in order to allow the athletes amongst us to return as soon as possible to a full competitive activity.