Name of the Procedure:

Arthrotomy, knee, with exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body (e.g., infection) Common name: Knee Arthrotomy

Summary

A Knee Arthrotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made into the knee joint to explore, drain infected fluid, or remove foreign material such as bone fragments or debris.

Purpose

Knee Arthrotomy addresses conditions such as joint infections (septic arthritis), removal of foreign bodies, or relieving joint pressure due to fluid accumulation. The goal is to treat the underlying issue, alleviate pain, and restore joint function.

Indications

• Persistent knee pain and swelling
• Evidence of infection within the knee joint
• Presence of a foreign body within the knee
• Joint fluid that needs to be drained

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments in current medications may be required, especially blood thinners.
• Preoperative blood tests, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, and possibly an EKG will be conducted to assess fitness for surgery.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is given anesthesia (general or regional).
2. An incision is made over the knee joint.
3. The joint is inspected, and any infected fluid is drained.
4. Any foreign material is identified and removed.
5. The joint is thoroughly irrigated with a sterile solution.
6. The incision is closed with sutures or staples and covered with a sterile dressing.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

Knee Arthrotomy is performed in a hospital operating room or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurse
• Scrub Technician

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling

Rare risks:

• Nerve or blood vessel damage
• Joint stiffness or decreased mobility
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Benefits

• Relief from pain and swelling
• Elimination of infection
• Improved joint function Benefits are usually noticeable within a few days to weeks post-surgery.

Recovery

• Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
• Physical therapy may be required to regain strength and mobility.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
• Full recovery may take several weeks, with specific limitations on activity.

Alternatives

• Arthroscopic surgery: less invasive and quicker recovery
• Antibiotic therapy (for infections): less invasive but might not be sufficient if there is significant infection
• Joint aspiration: for fluid drainage but does not allow for exploration or foreign body removal

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: The patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain.
• After the procedure: It is common to experience soreness and swelling. Pain management will include prescribed medications. Comfort measures like ice packs and elevation help with swelling.