ABOUT KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
A knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure which involves inserting a camera into the knee to examine a damaged or decayed knee, and to diagnose a knee complaint. An arthroscopy can also be used to make minor repairs to the knee.
An arthroscope is a thin flexible tube which is fitted with a light and a camera, which transmits the images to a screen where the surgeon can assess the knee joints. Small instruments can be attached to the arthroscope and are used to make minor repairs.
To insert the arthroscope into the knee, small incisions are made, meaning this type of surgery is minimally invasive. The surgery is performed on patients who are experiencing knee pain which is commonly caused by cartilage wear or meniscus tears.
The surgery can be performed under local anesthetic, general anesthetic, spinal anesthetic, or a regional block. The type of anesthetic used depends on the type of joint being examined, and whether repairs will be made. The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients will leave the hospital on the same as the procedure is performed.
Recommended for
- Knee pain
- Tissue damage
- Meniscus tear
- Cartilage damage
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required.
Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
COMPARE KNEE ARTHROSCOPY PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 8301€ |
| United States | 8000€ |
| Turkey | 1999€ |
| Hungary | 1960€ |
| Mexico | 1936€ |
| Poland | 1521€ |
| Croatia | 1369€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE KNEE ARTHROSCOPY ABROAD
Before surgery, the patient will undergo a physical examination to assess their overall health. Patients may also be given an appointment to attend whereby they will be fitted for crutches for after the procedure.
The patient is usually advised to fast after midnight ahead of the surgery if a general anesthetic is being administered.
Patients with complex conditions may benefit from seeking a second opinion before beginning a treatment plan. A second opinion means that another doctor, usually an expert with a lot of experience, will review the patient’s medical history, symptoms, scans, test results, and other important information, in order to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. When asked, 45% of US residents who received a second opinion said that they had a different diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
A small incision is made in the knee where the arthroscope is then passed through. The light and camera on the arthroscope are used to receive a visual of the condition of the joint and tissue. If the surgeon deems it necessary, they may attach small instruments to the device in order to make small tissue or joint repairs.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic, general anesthetic, spinal anesthetic or regional block may be used.
Procedure duration
The Knee Arthroscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
Post procedure care
The knee is dressed with a bandage after the surgery and an ice pack is usually applied to prevent swelling. Patients may be advised to keep the knee elevated after the surgery and to use the crutches provided when walking. The patient will usually attend physiotherapy in the weeks following the surgery.
Possible discomfort
Some minor discomfort, easily controllable with over-the-counter painkillers, is to be expected.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
Potential risks
- Bleeding
- Damage to knee cartilage
- Blood clots
- Blood vessel or nerve damage
- Infection
