| An arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical | | | | One of the benefits of arthroscopy is that most |
| procedure in which a physician can perform an ACL | | | | patients can return home, walking with a pair of |
| recontruction or to help treat and evaluate meniscus | | | | crutches the same day, or within 24 hours. Many |
| injuries. Microfracturing of the cartilage in your knee | | | | times people will ask how long it will take to heal, and |
| can be address with this surgical procedure as well. | | | | this depends on the the reasons why surgery was |
| The arthroscope (one of the the surgical tools used | | | | needed in the first place. Was it an ACL |
| in the surgery) is inserted into the knee joint through | | | | reconstruction, or a meniscus tear? These two |
| a small incision that your physician will make. An | | | | different procedures will vary in recovery time. - A |
| arthroscope a tool that helps to provide an image for | | | | person's physical condition will also be a factor to |
| visual inspection and photography of the surgery. This | | | | consider in regards to recovery time. It is important |
| incision is approximately 4 mm (1/8 inch) in length. A | | | | to listen to your physician, but is not uncommon for |
| second small incision is then made to allow for the | | | | athletes in good physical condition to return to normal |
| surgical instrument, that will be used to work on the | | | | athletic activities within a few weeks of the |
| affected area in your knee. The procdure can be | | | | procedure. (See your physician for details). |
| monitored, as a result of using surgical instruments | | | | The use of a knee brace after this kind of procedure |
| that are smaller than traditional surgical instruments. | | | | is a good idea. Although thee procedures are |
| As a result of being less invasive, this procedure can | | | | minimally invasive, the reconstructed ACL, for |
| reduce recovery time and can increase the success | | | | example can benefit from a knee support. These |
| rate of the procedure. The success rate can rise | | | | knee braces are significant because the support that |
| because there is less trauma done to the joint and its | | | | they provide may be the difference needed to |
| connective tissues. Since it is a less invasive | | | | prevent a future knee surgery. Why take chances |
| procedure there is also less scarring. In order to | | | | after your surgery? |
| make "surgical space" the knee joint will be distended | | | | References : |
| by the use of irrigation fluid. This fluid can sometimes | | | | 1.) NEJM -- A Controlled Trial of Arthroscopic Surgery |
| leak into the surrounding soft tissue and cause | | | | for Osteoarthritis of the Knee". Retrieved on |
| edema (swelling). | | | | 2008-01-14. |