Risks of arthroscopy
Since arthroscopy of the knee is a minimally invasive procedure, the risks and complications are also very low. A rare but important complication is infection. By carrying bacteria into the small wounds, structures in the skin, soft tissue or joint can become infected.
Furthermore, new damage to the joint can occur as a result of arthroscopy. If the patient is careless, joint structures, blood vessels or nerves can be injured by the instruments. If the leg is not quickly strained after the procedure, blood clots can form in the leg during immobilization, which in the worst case can cause a pulmonary embolism.
The most common side effects to be expected during arthroscopy of the knee are pain and swelling. These should subside after about 5 days. If this is not the case, consultation with the treating physician should be held.
Of course, a minimally invasive procedure such as arthroscopy of the knee is also associated with pain. However, these pains are generally easy to control. For the first few days, the knee should not be subjected to any load, elevation also helps to reduce the swelling.
Consistent cooling of the knee also helps to reduce swelling and relieve the pain in the knee. In addition, after an arthroscopy, pain-relieving medication can be taken, which should be taken after consulting a doctor. For example, ibuprofen or diclofenac are used here.
These are usually sufficient to relieve the pain in the first few days. However, if the pain remains or gets worse, a doctor must be informed so that the development of an inflammation after arthroscopy is not overlooked and treated. More information on this topic under: Pain after knee surgeryPain after arthroscopy of the knee can also lead to knee swelling in the affected area.
This is the case with almost every arthroscopy, because although it is a minor procedure, arthroscopy is an invasive procedure and causes reactions in the tissue. The skin incision and working in the knee injures the tiniest vessels, even lymphatic vessels are damaged. This causes swelling.
Swelling after arthroscopy of the knee can usually be treated easily with simple measures. This is how the knee should be treated after the operation: However, medical advice should be sought immediately if the swelling This suggests the suspicion of an inflammation in the knee or another complication which must be treated quickly. – Consistently spare the knee
- Cool kühlen
- Massage lightly
- Work out tension exercises
- Enlarged
- Begins to hurt
- Is reddened
- Is overheated
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