Knee Surgery
Knee diseases or injuries can prevent you from performing optimally during daily activities. Sometimes, simple activities, such as: sitting, walking, or standing can cause discomfort. Your doctor may recommend knee surgery to combat the pain. It is an effective procedure that focuses on returning mobility and health to one of the most important parts of our skeleton.
When is Knee Surgery Necessary?
This arthroscopic surgical procedure may be necessary to treat problems such as: inflammation, injury, damaged tissue, and cartilage. It is also used to take samples and biopsies, which can become useful in diagnosing other unknowns.
This surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting and under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep for the duration of the procedure. Alternatively, the surgery can be performed through local or regional anesthesia, where pain in the area is completely blocked, even when the patient is awake.
Are There any Risks?
This surgery is performed commonly and is considered to be completely safe. Nonetheless, to make an informed decision regarding the procedure, it is necessary to be aware of the possible effects and complication risks. Normally, these effects are mild and temporary:
- Sensation of dizziness and nausea as a result of anesthesia.
- Small scars around the knee from the incisions.
As with all surgical procedures, it is possible that complications may occur during or after:
- Accidental damage inside the knee joint.
- Infections
- Loss of sensation on the area’s skin.
- Internal bleeding
If you show any symptoms, pain, or discomfort, it is recommended for an orthopedic specialist to carefully assess and check the condition of your knee before proceeding with surgery.
After the procedure
After your knee surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Knee surgery usually requires an in-hospital stay of several days. It is important to begin moving the new joint after surgery. Your pain will be controlled with medication so that you can participate in physical therapy exercises. You will be given an exercise plan to follow both in the hospital and after discharge.