Name of the Procedure:

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for infection, lavage, and drainage.

Summary

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint to diagnose and treat infections. Lavage and drainage involve washing out the infection and removing any infectious material.

Purpose

Arthroscopy is performed to treat knee infections by cleaning out the infected joint, reducing pain, and preventing further damage. The primary goals are to eliminate the infection, reduce symptoms, and restore proper knee function.

Indications

• Signs of knee infection such as swelling, redness, and warmth.
• Severe knee pain that does not improve with medication.
• Fever or other systemic symptoms suggesting an infection.
• Positive joint fluid analysis indicating infection.
• Failure of non-surgical treatments such as antibiotics to resolve the infection.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
• Discuss all medications with the doctor; some may need to be paused.
• Blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., MRI or X-ray), and joint fluid analysis may be required.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is given regional or general anesthesia.
2. Small incisions are made around the knee to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
3. The arthroscope provides a view inside the knee joint.
4. Saline solution is used to lavage, or wash out, the infected area.
5. Infected tissue or debris is removed using specialized instruments.
6. The fluid is drained, and the joint is thoroughly cleaned.
7. Incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Surgical technologists

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Injury to surrounding tissues or structures
• Persistent pain or stiffness
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Effective removal of infection
• Reduced knee pain and swelling
• Improved joint function
• Prevention of further damage to the knee

Recovery

• Patients can typically go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
• Pain management involves medications and possibly ice packs.
• Limited weight-bearing and use of crutches may be required initially.
• Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure the infection is cleared.

Alternatives

• Oral or intravenous antibiotics without surgical intervention.
• Needle aspiration to drain joint fluid.
• Open surgery if arthroscopy is not feasible.
• Pros of arthroscopy include being minimally invasive and having quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain. Post-operatively, patients may experience mild to moderate pain managed with medications. Crutches and physical therapy may be necessary to aid recovery and improve knee function.