Our Services
Knee
Arthroscopic Surgery
Problem: persistent pain, catching or swelling in your knee.
Procedure: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat the knee by providing a clear view of the inside of the knee with small incisions, utilizing a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. This “scope” allows the surgeon to examine the interior of the knee and determine the source of the problem, allowing him to remove or repair damaged tissue. This procedure was first performed in the late 1960s and is one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the United States today
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF DAMAGED TISSUE?
WHO SHOULD HAVE AN ARTHROSCOPY?
WILL I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
HOW LONG WILL THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE LAST?
WHAT MUST I DO WHEN I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL?
COMPLICATIONS:
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS:
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF DAMAGED TISSUE?
Osteoarthritis Normally, all parts of the knee work together in harmony. But sports, work injuries, arthritis, or weakening of the tissues with age can cause wear and inflammation causing pain and diminished knee function.
WHO SHOULD HAVE AN ARTHROSCOPY?
If you have experienced the problems mentioned above and treatment such as medications, knee supports and physical therapy have not provided significant relief, you may benefit from an arthroscopy. Most patients benefiting from an arthroscopy are between the ages of 20 and 60 but can be younger than 10 years and older than 80 years.
WILL I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
Most arthroscopies are done on an outpatient basis. The procedure would be scheduled by the surgeon’s office. You would be required to arrive at the facility used by the surgeon an hour to two before the designated surgery time. At that time an anesthesiologist will evaluate you and discuss with you the use of general (you will be sleeping), local (your knee will be numbed only) or regional block (numbing you below the waist) anesthesia.
HOW LONG WILL THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE LAST?
After the procedure which will take approximately one hour, you will be taken to the recovery room until the staff feels you are ready to leave which is usually two hours post surgery. You may not leave the facility without someone responsible enough to drive you home. YOU MAY NOT DRIVE YOURSELF! You should have someone check on you that evening.
WHAT MUST I DO WHEN I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL?
To avoid swelling you should elevate the leg as much as possible for the first few days. You may apply ice if recommended by your surgeon.
Dressings may be removed the day after surgery. You may shower the day after surgery but must avoid directing water at the incisions. You must not soak in a tub. Keep the incision clean and dry. Most of the time you will be able to walk unassisted but you may be asked to use crutches or a cane for a few days. You may gradually put more weight on your leg as your discomfort subsides and you regain strength.
Call the office to make an appointment to see the surgeon 48 hours after your surgery. Therapy will be decided on at that time and a prescription will be given.
COMPLICATIONS:
Infection, blood clot, accumulation of blood in the knee. All of these are infrequent and are minor and treatable. Warning signs: Fever, chills, persistent warmth or redness around the knee, persistent or increased pain, significant swelling of the knee, increasing pain in your calf muscle, shortness of breath or chest pain.
You may have some limitations after surgery. If you damage your knee from jogging and the weight-bearing portion of the knee has worn away completely, full recovery may not be possible. Physical exercise and rehabilitation will play an important role in your final outcome. Your surgeon will advise if or when you are able to return to intense physical activity. It is reasonable to expect that by six to eight weeks you should be able to engage in most of your former physical activities. Twisting maneuvers may have to be avoided for a longer time.
If you job involves heavy work you may require more time before returning.
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS:
You may resume driving four days after surgery on your left knee but two weeks after surgery on the right knee. Driving will be determined on your first post-operative visit to the surgeon. You must not drive until you have stopped taking narcotics that may inhibit your response time and concentration.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Problem: persistent pain, catching or swelling in your knee.
Procedure: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat the knee by providing a clear view of the inside of the knee with small incisions, utilizing a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. This “scope” allows the surgeon to examine the interior of the knee and determine the source of the problem, allowing him to remove or repair damaged tissue. This procedure was first performed in the late 1960s and is one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the United States today
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF DAMAGED TISSUE?
WHO SHOULD HAVE AN ARTHROSCOPY?
WILL I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
HOW LONG WILL THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE LAST?
WHAT MUST I DO WHEN I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL?
COMPLICATIONS:
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS:
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF DAMAGED TISSUE?
Osteoarthritis Normally, all parts of the knee work together in harmony. But sports, work injuries, arthritis, or weakening of the tissues with age can cause wear and inflammation causing pain and diminished knee function.
WHO SHOULD HAVE AN ARTHROSCOPY?
If you have experienced the problems mentioned above and treatment such as medications, knee supports and physical therapy have not provided significant relief, you may benefit from an arthroscopy. Most patients benefiting from an arthroscopy are between the ages of 20 and 60 but can be younger than 10 years and older than 80 years.
WILL I NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL?
Most arthroscopies are done on an outpatient basis. The procedure would be scheduled by the surgeon’s office. You would be required to arrive at the facility used by the surgeon an hour to two before the designated surgery time. At that time an anesthesiologist will evaluate you and discuss with you the use of general (you will be sleeping), local (your knee will be numbed only) or regional block (numbing you below the waist) anesthesia.
HOW LONG WILL THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE LAST?
After the procedure which will take approximately one hour, you will be taken to the recovery room until the staff feels you are ready to leave which is usually two hours post surgery. You may not leave the facility without someone responsible enough to drive you home. YOU MAY NOT DRIVE YOURSELF! You should have someone check on you that evening.
WHAT MUST I DO WHEN I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL?
To avoid swelling you should elevate the leg as much as possible for the first few days. You may apply ice if recommended by your surgeon.
Dressings may be removed the day after surgery. You may shower the day after surgery but must avoid directing water at the incisions. You must not soak in a tub. Keep the incision clean and dry. Most of the time you will be able to walk unassisted but you may be asked to use crutches or a cane for a few days. You may gradually put more weight on your leg as your discomfort subsides and you regain strength.
Call the office to make an appointment to see the surgeon 48 hours after your surgery. Therapy will be decided on at that time and a prescription will be given.
COMPLICATIONS:
Infection, blood clot, accumulation of blood in the knee. All of these are infrequent and are minor and treatable. Warning signs: Fever, chills, persistent warmth or redness around the knee, persistent or increased pain, significant swelling of the knee, increasing pain in your calf muscle, shortness of breath or chest pain.
You may have some limitations after surgery. If you damage your knee from jogging and the weight-bearing portion of the knee has worn away completely, full recovery may not be possible. Physical exercise and rehabilitation will play an important role in your final outcome. Your surgeon will advise if or when you are able to return to intense physical activity. It is reasonable to expect that by six to eight weeks you should be able to engage in most of your former physical activities. Twisting maneuvers may have to be avoided for a longer time.
If you job involves heavy work you may require more time before returning.
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS:
You may resume driving four days after surgery on your left knee but two weeks after surgery on the right knee. Driving will be determined on your first post-operative visit to the surgeon. You must not drive until you have stopped taking narcotics that may inhibit your response time and concentration.