During the procedureThe type of anesthesia used varies by procedure. Local anesthesia. Numbing agents are injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area, such as your knee. You'll be awake during your arthroscopy, but the most you'll feel is pressure or a sensation of movement within the joint.
Currently, the majority of joint replacements in the United States are performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists at the Hospital for Special Surgery, however, use regional anesthesia for over 90% of hip and knee replacements.
The actual surgery time is usually about 30 minutes. If extensive work is needed, the procedure may last up to 45 minutes. Most people "go to sleep completely" during surgery with a general anesthetic. Some have surgery with a spinal anesthetic.
By being less invasive, the hope is there will be less pain and a faster recovery. However, arthroscopic surgery is still a major surgical procedure, involves risks, and requires appropriate postoperative rehabilitation.
Once sedated and asleep under general anesthesia, you will be intubated with an endotracheal tube that will be connected to a ventilator to assist you with breathing during the surgery. You will not feel anything.
Pain is quite common, most often in the area where you had pain before surgery, in the soft tissues below the knee cap, over the athroscopy wounds and occasionally the whole knee. The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks.
An arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, although sometimes a spinal or local anaesthetic is used. Your anaesthetist will explain which type of anaesthetic is most suitable for you. Sometimes, you may be able to say which you would prefer.
There are four main categories of anesthesia used during surgery and other procedures: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation (sometimes called "monitored anesthesia care"), and local anesthesia. Sometimes patients may choose which type of anesthesia will be used.
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure doctors use to look at, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. It's a minor surgery and is done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery. Rehabilitation to gain full ROM should occur within 1-2 weeks.
Knee arthroscopy is usually done under a general anaesthetic, but you may be able to have it under local anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic numbs your knee and you'll stay awake during surgery.
A small telescope is inserted into the knee to provide a view of the inside of the joint. Various instruments are passed through the other portal to perform the surgery. An arthroscopy takes about 20 minutes to perform. Bigger operations, such as ligament reconstructions take about 90 minutes.
The risks and complications associated with arthroscopic knee surgery include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, persistent swelling and stiffness, heart attack, and stroke.
