Symptoms: When to Consider Knee Arthroscopy

Recognizing the symptoms that may indicate the need for knee arthroscopy can help you seek timely treatment. Common signs include:

• Persistent Knee Pain: Ongoing pain that doesn’t improve with rest, physical therapy, or medications.
• Swelling and Stiffness: Noticeable swelling and limited range of motion due to joint inflammation.
• Locking or Catching: The knee may feel as if it’s “locking” or “catching” during movement.
• Instability: Difficulty maintaining stability when walking or standing, which can signal ligament or cartilage damage.
• Clicking Sounds: Audible popping or clicking noises while moving the knee, often accompanied by discomfort.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consulting a specialist at Eva Hospital for a thorough evaluation can help determine if arthroscopic knee surgery is the best option for you.

Causes: What Leads to Knee Joint Issues?

Several factors can contribute to knee joint problems that may necessitate knee arthroscopy:

1. Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis arthroscopy are often recommended for early joint issues, as arthritis wears away cartilage, leading to pain and limited movement.
2. Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a crucial cartilage in the knee that can tear due to trauma or overuse, leading to pain and joint instability.
3. Ligament Injuries: Damage to ligaments such as the ACL or PCL from sports or accidents can impair knee stability, and arthroscopy can help with diagnosis and treatment.
4. Cartilage Damage: Cartilage loss or damage from wear and tear can contribute to pain and reduced function, which knee arthroscopy may help address.
5. Loose Fragments: Loose bone or cartilage fragments can sometimes get trapped within the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness.

Understanding the root cause of knee issues allows our team at Eva Hospital to recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether it be arthroscopic knee replacement or another approach.

Risks: Potential Complications of Knee Arthroscopy

While knee arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks, including:

• Infection: Although rare, there’s a slight risk of infection at the incision sites.
• Blood Clots: Any surgical procedure carries a small risk of blood clot formation.
• Stiffness or Limited Mobility: In some cases, the knee joint may feel stiff after surgery, requiring further rehabilitation.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Though uncommon, surrounding nerves or blood vessels may be affected during the procedure.
• Persistent Pain: There’s a slight chance that pain may not completely resolve, depending on the underlying knee condition.

Our specialists at Eva Hospital thoroughly discuss these risks to help patients make informed decisions about knee arthroscopy.

Preventative Measures: Reducing Knee Joint Problems

Taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of knee joint issues and improve long-term knee health:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts strain on knee joints, increasing wear and tear.
2. Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Exercises that build the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, can improve joint stability.
3. Engage in Low-Impact Activities: Activities like swimming and cycling provide exercise without putting excess strain on the knees.
4. Avoid High-Impact Sports: Activities that involve frequent twisting and jumping, such as basketball, can increase the risk of knee injuries.
5. Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes can help maintain proper leg alignment, reducing stress on knee joints.

Incorporating these measures into your lifestyle can protect knee health and potentially delay or prevent the need for knee joint replacement.